BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On August 9, 2018 BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: BSTC), a biopharmaceutical company that originated and continues to develop collagenase-based therapies with a first in class collagenase-based product marketed as XIAFLEX in the U.S. and Xiapex in Europe, reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 and provided a corporate update (Press release, BioSpecifics Technologies, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528706]).

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"The first half of 2018 was a period of significant clinical development for XIAFLEX. We continued to focus on the execution of our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in uterine fibroids and have now completed patient enrollment. Uterine fibroids are the most prevalent tumor of the female reproductive tract, for which non-invasive treatment options are very limited, and we expect to report top-line data later this year. Additionally, our partner Our Endo reported rapid enrollment in the second quarter for the Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of cellulite, and we now anticipate top-line data in the fourth quarter of 2018," said Thomas L. Wegman, President of BioSpecifics. "On the commercial front, we were also pleased with the sustained revenue growth and continued efforts of the direct to consumer advertising campaigns for XIAFLEX in its two commercial indications, Dupuytren’s Contracture and Peyronie’s Disease, and we reported second quarter 2018 revenues of $7.1 million. These revenues were driven by Endo’s reported 27 percent revenue growth year-over-year and our partner also increased their full year revenue guidance into the high-teens percentage growth range."

Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

BioSpecifics reported net income of $4.3 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018, or $0.60 per basic share and $0.59 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared to net income of $2.6 million, or $0.37 per basic share and $0.36 per share on a fully diluted basis, for the same period in 2017.

Total revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 was $7.1 million, compared to $6.5 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in total revenues for the quarterly period was primarily due to an increase in royalties associated with higher net sales of XIAFLEX which was partially offset by lower mark-up on cost of goods sold revenue in the U.S and prepaid foreign mark-up on cost of goods sold revenue recognized under new revenue standard ASC 606, as of January 1, 2018.

Licensing revenue consists of licensing fees, sublicensing fees and milestones. BioSpecifics recognized licensing revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 of $35,270 and $4,409 for the same period in 2017.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 were $0.2 million compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in the 2018 period, as compared to the 2017 period, was mainly due to lower consulting fees associated with clinical, preclinical and other R&D programs.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 were $2.0 million, compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to the lower consulting and patent fees partially offset by higher amortization associated with deferred royalty buy-down and third-party royalties associated with XIAFLEX.

Provision for income taxes for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 were $1.0 million, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2017.

As of June 30, 2018, BioSpecifics had cash and cash equivalents and investments of $73.7 million, compared to $65.1 million as of December 31, 2017.

The BioSpecifics Board of Directors has authorized an increase in the repurchase amount in the Company’s stock repurchase program, previously approved by the Board in August 2015, under which BioSpecifics is authorized to repurchase up to $3.0 million of its outstanding common stock. This decision reflects BioSpecifics’ positive outlook for the future, confidence it will remain profitable on an ongoing annual basis and its continued commitment to increasing value for its stockholders.

Pursuant to the repurchase program, BioSpecifics plans to repurchase stock through a broker in the open market, provided that the timing, actual number and price per share of the common stock to be purchased will be subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, including Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and various other factors. BioSpecifics intends to hold any reacquired stock in treasury. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors. BioSpecifics has no obligation to repurchase common stock under the repurchase program.

As of June 30, 2018, BioSpecifics had 7,244,233 shares of common stock outstanding.

XIAFLEX/CCH Pipeline Updates and Anticipated Upcoming Milestones

BioSpecifics manages the development of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of uterine fibroids and has the right to initiate the development of any new potential indication not licensed by Endo. Endo’s licensed indications include Dupuytren’s Contracture and Peyronie’s Disease, both approved and marketed; in addition to cellulite, adhesive capsulitis, human and canine lipoma, lateral hip fat and plantar fibromatosis.

Endo is conducting two ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials of CCH for the treatment of cellulite. Top-line results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2018.
BioSpecifics has completed patient enrollment in its Phase 1 clinical trial of CCH for the treatment of uterine fibroids with top-line data expected in late 2018. This Phase 1 open-label dose escalation study is being conducted at the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University and is designed to enroll 15 female subjects treated prior to hysterectomy. The trial will assess the safety and tolerability of a single injection of CCH directly into the uterine fibroid under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The secondary endpoints will assess symptoms of pain and bleeding, quality of life throughout the study in addition to size, collagen content and rate of apoptosis of CCH treated fibroids.
XIAFLEX future growth initiatives continue to support the increase in disease state awareness for both Peyronie’s Disease and Dupuytren’s Contracture through direct to consumer campaigns.

Audentes Therapeutics to Present at the 2018 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference

On August 9, 2018 Audentes Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BOLD), a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapy products for patients living with serious, life-threatening rare diseases, reported that Natalie Holles, President and Chief Operating Officer, will present at the 2018 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference in New York (Press release, Audentes Therapeutics, AUG 9, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2363055 [SID1234528780]). The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 1:55 pm ET.

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To access a live webcast of the presentation, please visit the Events & Presentations page within the Investors + Media section of the Audentes website. A replay of the live webcast will be available on the Audentes website for approximately 30 days following the conference.

Caladrius Biosciences Reports 2018 Second Quarter and First Six Months Financial Results

On August 9, 2018 Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLBS) ("Caladrius" or the "Company"), a development-stage biopharmaceutical company with multiple technology platforms targeting autoimmune and select cardiovascular indications, reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and provides a business update (Press release, Caladrius Biosciences, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528816]).

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Highlights of the 2018 second quarter and first six months include:

Received regenerative medicine advanced therapy ("RMAT") designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for the Company’s late-stage CD34 cell therapy program CLBS14-RfA for the treatment of refractory angina, which is similar to breakthrough therapy designation, in that it provides increased agency meeting opportunities, the potential for accelerated approval and is reserved for therapies which treat a serious condition while showing preliminary evidence of addressing an unmet medical need;

Received SAKIGAKE designation from the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ("MHLW") for the proprietary CD34 cell therapy CLBS12 for the treatment of no-option critical limb ischemia ("CLI"), which reflects MHLW’s expectation of "prominent effectiveness" based on mechanism-of-action data from non-clinical and early clinical trials and provides an expedited path to potential conditional approval in Japan for products that show sufficient safety evidence and signals of efficacy in a Phase 2 study;

Sold our ownership interest in a non-core development-stage counter-flow centrifugation system to Hitachi Chemical Advanced Therapeutics Solutions for $2.5 million;

Continued enrollment in a Phase 2 clinical trial in Japan with CLBS12 for the treatment of no-option CLI;

Continued enrollment in a Phase 2 clinical trial with the CD34 cell therapy CLBS14-CMD for the treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction ("CMD"); and

Continued follow-up analysis of The Sanford Project: T-Rex Study Phase 2 clinical trial of CLBS03 in type 1 diabetes after completing enrollment and reporting six-month results on 50% of trial subjects in the first quarter of 2018 that concluded the treatment is well-tolerated and non-futile for therapeutic effect.

Management Commentary

"During the second quarter, we continued to advance our CD34 cell therapy programs. We took a major step forward as we reactivated the Investigational New Drug Application ("IND") for CLBS14-RfA as the sponsor and now have three development programs targeting three indications for our CD34 technology. Additionally, with receipt of RMAT designation for CLBS14-RfA, we are afforded an opportunity to work with the FDA to more rapidly and efficiently advance the development of a therapeutic candidate with the potential to impact a condition with no known effective treatment options and high morbidity. We also advanced our Phase 2 clinical trial in Japan that is evaluating CLBS12 for the treatment of no-option CLI, a condition for which we were granted SAKIGAKE designation from the MHLW in early April. As a result, we now have two potential nearer-term commercial opportunities," said Dr. David J. Mazzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Caladrius.

"I am also pleased to report that enrollment in our Phase 2 study of CLBS14-CMD for the treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction continues to progress as expected and that we remain on track to complete patient follow-up and primary endpoint analysis of The Sanford Project: T-Rex Study with anticipated top-line results reported in early 2019," Dr. Mazzo continued. "Finally, as a result of continued fiscal discipline, augmented by $2.5 million of non-dilutive funding received from the sale to Hitachi Chemical Advanced Therapeutics Solutions in June of our rights to a counter-flow centrifugation cell processing device, our cash position remains strong."

Second Quarter Financial Highlights

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2018 were $2.1 million, a 50% decrease compared with $4.3 million for the second quarter of 2017. The decline was due to significantly lower costs in our CLBS03 clinical program in type 1 diabetes upon the completion of enrollment in December 2017, which was partially offset by costs related to the initiation of clinical trials in late 2017 and early 2018 for CLBS12 in critical limb ischemia and CLBS14-CMD in coronary microvascular dysfunction, respectively.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2018 were $2.1 million, compared with $3.4 million for the second quarter of 2017. The decrease was due to the sale of our counter-flow centrifugation system to Hitachi in the second quarter of 2018, which resulted in a one-time $1.4 million gain included in general and administrative expenses.

The net loss from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2018 was $4.1 million, or $0.42 per share, compared with $2.0 million, or $0.22 per share, for the second quarter of 2017.

Six Month Financial Highlights

Research and development expenses for the first six months of 2018 were $4.4 million, a 45% decrease compared with $8.0 million for the first six months of 2017. The decline was due to significantly lower costs in our CLBS03 clinical program in type 1 diabetes upon the completion of enrollment in December 2017, which was partially offset by costs related to the initiation of clinical trials in late 2017 and early 2018 for CLBS12 in critical limb ischemia and CLBS14-CMD in coronary microvascular dysfunction, respectively.

General and administrative expenses for the first six months of 2018 were $5.0 million, compared with $6.1 million for the first six months of 2017. The decrease was due to the sale of our counter-flow centrifugation system to Hitachi in the second quarter of 2018, which resulted in a one-time $1.4 million gain included in general and administrative expenses.

The net loss from continuing operations for the first six months of 2018 was $9.1 million, or $0.95 per share, compared with $8.7 million, or $0.99 per share, for the first six months of 2017.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of June 30, 2018, Caladrius had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $50.3 million, compared with $60.1 million as of December 31, 2017. Based on existing programs and projections, the Company continues to remain confident that its cash balances and additional grant funding, along with continued disciplined expense management, will allow it to fund its current business plan beyond 2019.

Conference Call

Caladrius’ management will host a conference call for the investment community today beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to review financial results, provide a Company update and answer questions.

Stockholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (866) 595-8403 (domestic), or (706) 758-9979 (international), and providing conference ID: 8899285. The call will also be broadcast live on the Internet via the Company’s website at www.caladrius.com/investors/news-events.

For those unable to participate on the live conference call, a replay will be available through August 15, 2018, and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406. All listeners should provide the following replay access code: 8899285.

The webcast replay will be archived on the Company’s website for 90 days at www.caladrius.com.

Histogenics Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2018 Financial and Operating Results

On August 9, 2018 Histogenics Corporation (Histogenics) (Nasdaq: HSGX), a leader in the development of restorative cell therapies (RCTs) that may offer rapid-onset pain relief and restored function, reported its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, Histogenics, AUG 9, 2018, View Source;p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2363018 [SID1234528593]).

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"Our focus in the second quarter of 2018 was on the NeoCart Biologics License Application submission and we remain on track to announce top-line data in the third quarter of 2018. In preparation for this exciting milestone, we enhanced our management team with the addition of Lynne Kelley as Chief Medical Officer. Lynne’s experience and capabilities in medical and regulatory affairs and product development will be instrumental as we advance the preparation of the upcoming BLA for NeoCart," said Adam Gridley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Histogenics. "We also made important progress on the international expansion of the NeoCart platform alongside MEDINET, our NeoCart development and commercialization partner in Japan, as they prepare for the initiation of the Phase 3 trial in Japan in the second half of the year."

Second Quarter 2018 and Recent Highlights

NeoCart top-line Phase 3 Data Release on Track for Third Quarter of 2018: Histogenics expects to report top-line data from its 249-patient Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trial of NeoCart in the third quarter of 2018. The trial is designed to show superiority of NeoCart at one year after treatment as compared to microfracture, the current standard of care, and will follow patients for three years.

Expansion and Enhancement of Executive Team: In July 2018, Histogenics appointed Lynne Kelley as its Chief Medical Officer. In this role, Dr. Kelley will leverage her 20 plus years of executive management and surgical experience in medical affairs, clinical operations, regulatory affairs and product development to establish Histogenics’ medical affairs strategy and build a medical affairs team to support the potential launch of NeoCart. Dr. Kelley will also work with the executive team on the preparation of the upcoming Biologics License Application (BLA) for NeoCart and any related discussions with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Held Inaugural Investor Day: In June 2018, Histogenics hosted its first investor day in New York City. Members of Histogenics’ management team discussed the commercialization plan for NeoCart and provided an overview of its Restorative Cell Technology platform. The team was joined by leading orthopedic surgeons who shared their overall experiences with and provided their clinical perspectives on NeoCart, as well as a NeoCart patient from the Phase 3 clinical trial who provided his thoughts on his recovery, specifically the impact NeoCart has had on his ability to return to work and sports activities. The event also included a discussion on the NeoCart mechanism of action based on work conducted as part of Histogenics’ collaboration with Cornell University. A full replay of the webcast is available via the "Investor Relations" page of Histogenics’ website, www.histogenics.com, or by clicking here.
Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2018

Loss from operations was $(7.3) million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $(6.4) million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase in operating expenses was due to an increase in both research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses were $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to increases in consulting, salaries and materials in connection with the potential submission of a BLA for NeoCart with the FDA and was partially offset by a reduction in patient costs related to the NeoCart Phase 3 clinical trial, for which enrollment was completed in June 2017. General and administrative expenses were $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher salaries and consulting expenses related to increased activities to support the potential commercialization of NeoCart.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $(3.7) million in the second quarter of 2018, or $(0.13) per share, compared to $(5.5) million, or $(0.25) per share, in the second quarter of 2017. The decrease in net loss attributable to common stockholders is primarily due to the conversion of convertible preferred stock issued in connection with the 2016 private placement into common stock and a change in the fair value of the warrant liability which generated a gain in the second quarter of 2018, both of which were partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.

As of June 30, 2018, Histogenics had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $8.8 million, compared to $8.0 million at December 31, 2017. Histogenics believes its current cash position will be sufficient to fund its operations into the fourth quarter of 2018.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Histogenics management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. EDT. A question-and-answer session will follow Histogenics’ remarks. To participate on the live call, please dial (877) 930-8064 (domestic) or (253) 336-8040 (international) and provide the conference ID "6679509" five to ten minutes before the start of the call.

To access a live audio webcast of the presentation on the "Investor Relations" page of the Histogenics website, please click here. A replay of the webcast will be archived on Histogenics’ website for approximately 45 days following the presentation.

Aeglea BioTherapeutics Provides Corporate Update and Reports Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On August 9, 2018 Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGLE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that designs and develops innovative human enzyme therapeutics for patients with rare genetic diseases and cancer, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528707]).

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"We made good progress in the second quarter with our clinical programs, and we completed a follow-on financing that sets the stage for an exciting second half of the year," said Anthony G. Quinn, M.B Ch.B, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Aeglea. "We are looking forward to providing clinical updates at a number of medical conferences in the fall, including reporting the latest interim data from both our Arginase 1 Deficiency and cancer development programs. We also will provide updates on our clinical trial enrollment and our progress with one of our research enzyme programs, which we believe shows promise for treating the metabolic disorder homocystinuria."

"With the management team we now have in place, Aeglea is ready to take the next step in advancing therapies with the potential to improve the lives of patients with devastating diseases. I believe the Company is well positioned for future growth with our current pipeline programs and our expanded in-house drug-hunting capabilities," added Dr. Quinn.

Recent Highlights

In July, the Company’s Board of Directors named Anthony G. Quinn, M.B. Ch.B, Ph.D. as president and chief executive officer. Dr. Quinn has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2016 and had served as interim CEO since July 2017. Prior to joining Aeglea, Dr. Quinn served as executive vice president, head of research and development, and chief medical officer at Synageva Biopharma Corp., prior to its acquisition by Alexion Pharmaceuticals.
In July, the Company announced the appointment of Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D., as an independent director. Dr. Lawlis served as CEO of Itero Biopharmaceuticals, LLC from 2011 to 2017 and from 2007 to 2011 was co-founder and CEO of Itero Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. He is currently on the boards of Biomarin Pharmaceutical, Inc., Geron, Inc., and Coherus Biosciences, Inc.
Upcoming Events

Dr. Quinn will present a corporate update at the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference being held September 5 – 6 in Boston, MA. Details regarding the date and time of the presentation and webcast will be announced before the conference.
Aeglea will present new interim Phase 1/2 clinical trial data demonstrating clinically relevant treatment effects in patients with Arginase 1 Deficiency at the 2018 Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) Annual Symposium being held September 4 – 7 in Athens, Greece.
Title: Improvements in Arginase 1 Deficiency-related disease manifestations following plasma arginine reduction with pegzilarginase
Poster #P-164
Presentation Date/Time: Wednesday, September 5 at 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EET and Thursday, September 6 at 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. EET
Aeglea will deliver three poster presentations detailing clinical and preclinical data at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2018 Annual Meeting being held October 16 – 20 in San Diego, California (schedule details to be announced):
Interim Phase 1/2 clinical trial data for the treatment of Arginase 1 Deficiency that will include additional clinical insights from recently enrolled adult and pediatric patients, as well as from longer-term dosing in previously enrolled patients
Title: Improvements in Arginase 1 Deficiency-related disease manifestations following plasma arginine reduction with pegzilarginase: early Phase 2 results
The effects of a novel homocysteine degrading enzyme in a preclinical model of homocystinuria.
Title: Improved survival and amelioration of disease-related liver pathology in a mouse model of homocystinuria with a novel homocysteine degrading enzyme
Summary of disease manifestation in Arginase 1 Deficiency case reports from scientific literature
Title: Clinical features of Arginase 1 Deficiency: Review of Literature Case Series
Aeglea will present interim Phase 1 advanced solid tumor clinical trial data on melanoma expansion cohorts at the 2018 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Congress being held October 19 – 23 in Munich, Germany.
Title: Initial cohort expansion results of sustained arginine depletion with pegzilarginase in melanoma patients in a Phase 1 advanced solid tumor trial
Abstract #1269P
Presentation Date/Time: Sunday, October 21 at 1:35 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. CEST
Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

As of June 30, 2018, Aeglea had available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $72.2 million, which includes $37.7 million in net proceeds from a follow-on public offering that closed in April 2018. Based on Aeglea’s current operating plan, management believes it has sufficient capital resources to fund anticipated operations to the middle of 2020.

Aeglea recognized grant revenues of $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared with $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2017. The grant revenues were the result of a $19.8 million research grant received from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The revenue increase was primarily due to higher qualifying expenditures associated with the clinical trials for pegzilarginase in cancer patients in the second quarter of 2018 compared with the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, the grant contract ended in May 2018 with the full $19.8 million grant recognized as revenue over the life of the award. As of June 30, 2018, Aeglea had a remaining grant receivable totaling $4.3 million.

Research and development expenses totaled $9.1 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared with $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to expanded clinical activity for Aeglea’s lead product candidate, pegzilarginase, as Aeglea advanced a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with Arginase 1 Deficiency and initiated single-agent cohort expansions in a Phase 1 clinical trial for advanced solid tumor patients and a Phase 1/2 combination trial in patients with small cell lung cancer.

General and administrative expenses totaled $2.9 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared with $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to additional employee compensation costs related to the building out of Aeglea’s management team as well as to support expanding research and development activities. Non-cash stock compensation expense accounted for $0.2 million of the increase.

Net loss totaled $9.4 million and $6.6 million for the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, with non-cash stock compensation expense of $1.0 million and $0.7 million for the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Aeglea also announced today that the Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors has granted non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 2,400 shares of Aeglea’s common stock to two new employees under Aeglea’s 2018 Equity Inducement Plan.

The 2018 Equity Inducement Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously an employee or non-employee director of Aeglea (or following a bona fide period of non-employment), as an inducement material to such individual’s entering into employment with Aeglea, pursuant to Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

The options have an exercise price of $8.98 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Aeglea’s common stock on August 7, 2018. Each of the option awards vests as to 25% of the shares on the one-year anniversary of its grant, with the remainder of the shares vesting ratably over 36 months thereafter.

About Pegzilarginase in Arginase 1 Deficiency

Pegzilarginase is an enhanced human arginase that enzymatically degrades the amino acid arginine. Aeglea is developing pegzilarginase for the treatment of patients with Arginase 1 Deficiency, a debilitating urea cycle disorder caused by deficiency of a key arginine metabolizing enzyme that leads to severe and progressive hyperargininemia-related neurological abnormalities, hyperammonemia and early mortality. Pegzilarginase is intended for use as an enzyme replacement therapy in patients to reduce elevated blood arginine levels. The Company’s interim Phase 1/2 data demonstrated clinically relevant treatment effects and rapid and sustained lowering of plasma arginine in Arginase 1 Deficiency patients.

About Pegzilarginase in Cancer

Pegzilarginase is an enhanced human arginase that enzymatically degrades the amino acid arginine. In some cancers, tumor cells stop producing specific amino acids and must acquire them from the blood, making the tumor cells susceptible to starvation through depletion of those amino acids. Aeglea is developing pegzilarginase to exploit vulnerabilities in some cancers that lead to an increased dependency on extracellular arginine. Pegzilarginase targets these arginine dependent cancers by depleting blood arginine levels to below the normal range. Preclinical data demonstrated that the resulting arginine starvation inhibits proliferation, induces cell death, increases turnover of cell components and promotes anti-tumor immune responses. The Company’s Phase 1 data in advanced solid tumors demonstrated that pegzilarginase was well tolerated at doses that produced marked and sustained reductions in blood arginine levels below the normal range.