Bellicum Pharmaceuticals Reports Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results
Management to host conference call and webcast today at 5 p.m. Eastern

On August 7, 2018 Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLCM), a leader in developing novel, controllable cellular immunotherapies for cancers and orphan inherited blood disorders, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018, and provided an update on recent developments (Press release, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528497]).

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"We made substantial progress during the second quarter, with key data readouts expected later in 2018," said Bellicum’s President & CEO Rick Fair. "Registration studies with our polyclonal allogeneic cell therapy, BPX-501, are on track and we expect to file MAAs in the European Union in 2019. In anticipation of these filings, we have begun to staff a European organization and initiate pre-launch activities. In addition, based on the encouraging results to date in pediatric leukemias, we are advancing plans to expand the BPX-501 opportunity with a late-stage trial in adult AML patients."

Continued Mr. Fair: "The Phase 1 study of our lead GoCAR-T program, BPX-601, continues to enroll and we plan to report initial results before the end of 2018. We are also hard at work preparing IND/IMPD regulatory submissions for two new dual-switch GoCAR-T programs we expect to enter the clinic in 2019."

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND CURRENT UPDATES

Registration Studies on Track in Europe with BPX-501
Prospective enrollment was completed in the BP-004 and C-004 pediatric trials in patients with leukemias, lymphomas, and inherited blood disorders. These trials will serve as the basis for the planned 2019 European MAA regulatory filings. During the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) in June, Bellicum reported compelling interim data from BP-004:

Additional interim results from both the BP-004 and the C-004 clinical trials will be presented at a medical conference later this year, with final results expected in early 2019. Bellicum also continues to advance its plans to initiate a late-stage trial of BPX-501 in adult AML patients by the end of the year.

Commercial Planning Activities Underway in Europe for BPX-501
Bellicum named Thierry Darcis, M.D., M.B.A., as General Manager of Europe to lead commercialization plans for BPX-501. Dr. Darcis has extensive experience launching orphan products in Europe and has led commercial teams that supported successful product introductions for ViroPharma and NPS Pharmaceuticals. He also held leadership roles with Zogenix, Novartis Vaccines and GlaxoSmithKline.

BPX-601 and BPX-701 Trials Advancing
BPX-601 is Bellicum’s first GoCAR-T product candidate and is the first controllable CAR-T cell to enter clinical trials. The Company expects to report preliminary findings from the Phase 1 dose-escalation safety study of BPX-601 in adults with nonresectable pancreatic cancer who test positive for prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) later this year, and is currently implementing an amendment to expand the study to gastric and prostate cancer patients. A Phase 1 study of BPX-701 continues to screen patients, and additional clinical sites are being added to the trial to accelerate enrollment.

Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Bellicum reported a net loss of $24.2 million for the second quarter of 2018 and $47.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to a net loss of $24.5 million and $46.4 million for the comparable periods of 2017. The results included non-cash, share-based compensation charges of $3.6 million and $7.2 million for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2018, and $3.2 million and $6.6 million for the comparable periods in 2017.

As of June 30, 2018, cash, restricted cash and investments totaled $135.3 million. Based on current operating plans, Bellicum continues to expect that current cash resources will be sufficient to meet operating requirements through 2019.

Research and development expenses were $18.4 million and $34.9 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $18.0 million and $33.3 million during the comparable periods in 2017.

General and administrative expenses were $5.4 million and $11.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $5.5 million and $11.4 million during the comparable periods in 2017.

At June 30, 2018, Bellicum had 43,346,220 shares of common stock outstanding.

Conference Call and Webcast
Bellicum management will host a webcast and conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern today to discuss the financial results and provide a corporate update. To access the call, participants should dial 877-407-3103 (domestic) and 201-493-6791 (international) at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The event will be webcast live and can also be accessed in the Investors & Media section of bellicum.com. An archived version of the webcast will also be available for replay in the Investors & Media section of the Bellicum website for at least two weeks following the call.

About BPX-501
BPX-501 is an adjunct T cell therapy administered after allogeneic HSCT, comprising genetically modified donor T cells incorporating Bellicum’s CaspaCIDe safety switch. It is designed to provide a safety net to eliminate alloreactive BPX-501 T cells (via administration of activator agent rimiducid) should uncontrollable GvHD or other T-cell mediated transplant complications occur. This may enable physicians to more safely perform stem cell transplants by administering BPX-501 engineered T cells to speed immune reconstitution, provide control over viral infections, and enhance graft-versus-leukemic activity while minimizing GvHD side effects.

About BPX-601
BPX-601 is a GoCAR-T product candidate containing Bellicum’s proprietary inducible MyD88/CD40, or iMC, activation switch, designed to treat solid tumors expressing prostate stem cell antigen, or PSCA. Preclinical data show enhanced T cell proliferation, persistence and in vivo anti-tumor activity compared to traditional CAR-T therapies. In addition to pancreatic cancer, PSCA is expressed in several other solid tumor indications, including gastric and prostate cancers.

About BPX-701
BPX-701 is a high affinity T cell receptor product candidate designed with the CaspaCIDe safety switch. In preclinical studies, PRAME-specific clones showed high reactivity against a panel of PRAME positive tumor cell lines, metastatic melanoma, sarcomas and neuroblastoma tissues. In vitro study data showed that BPX-701 demonstrated strong affinity to panels of cancer cells presenting PRAME peptides and low affinity to non-tumor cells, as well as elimination of BPX-701 cells in response to rimiducid.

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

On August 7, 2018 Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Eagle" or "the Company") (Nasdaq:EGRX) reported its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528517]). Highlights of and subsequent to the second quarter of 2018 include:

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Business and Recent Highlights:

EHS clinical trial for RYANODEX will be conducted August 20 – 24, 2018 during the Hajj pilgrimage;
Eagle received a favorable decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granting seven years of orphan drug exclusivity (ODE) in the U.S., for BENDEKA (bendamustine hydrochloride injection, or bendamustine HCI) until December 2022 and denying the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) attempt to preemptively exclude TREANDA generics from the scope of exclusivity;
Data from the fulvestrant clinical trial expected in the fourth quarter of 2018;
Advancing discussions with U.S. military to formalize clinical and regulatory plans for RYANODEX in the treatment of nerve agent exposure;
United States Patent and Trademark Office issued patent number 10,010,533 for BENDEKA. The USPTO has now issued or allowed a total of 15 U.S. patents in the BENDEKA family of patents expiring from 2021 to 2033;
Eagle was first to file a vasopressin 1ml injection ANDA, which was accepted for filing by the FDA in April; and
A second source manufacturing facility for Eagle’s bendamustine products has been approved by the FDA.
Financial Highlights:

Second quarter 2018

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2018 was $59.3 million, compared to $50.1 million in the second quarter of 2017;
Eagle launched bendamustine hydrochloride 500ml solution ("Big Bag") on May 15, 2018 and Big Bag product sales were $8.1 million in the second quarter of 2018;
Q2 2018 Ryanodex product sales were $7.2 million, up 38% compared to Q2 2017;
Q2 2018 net income was $2.7 million, or $0.18 per basic and $0.17 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.5 million, or $0.30 per basic and $0.28 per diluted share in Q2 2017;
Q2 2018 Adjusted Non-GAAP net income was $14.7 million, or $0.99 per basic and $0.95 per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Non-GAAP net income of $7.9 million, or $0.52 per basic and $0.49 per diluted share in Q2 2017;
During Q2 2018, Eagle purchased an additional $3.5 million of Eagle common stock as part of its share buyback program; since August 2016, Eagle has repurchased $91.3 million of Eagle common stock; and
Cash and cash equivalents were $100.2 million, accounts receivable was $69.4 million, and debt was $47.5 million as of June 30, 2018.
Reiterating 2018 Expense Guidance:
R&D expense is expected to be in the range of $46 – $50 million ($40 – $44 million on a non-GAAP basis)
SG&A expense is expected to be in the range of $61 – $64 million ($44 – $47 million on a non-GAAP basis)
"We believe 2018 will be another solid year of growth for Eagle, with continued near-term value creation, and strong upside potential with our advanced pipeline that could meaningfully contribute to the long-term value of the business. This includes protecting the value and longevity of our existing bendamustine franchise where we recently prevailed in litigation and received orphan drug exclusivity until December 2022 for BENDEKA, as well as having recently launched "Big Bag", our 500 mL liquid form bendamustine solution that does not require reconstitution, filling an important need in the market for a lower-cost alternative. Our RYANODEX portfolio is advancing as we take advantage of product and label expansion opportunities for Exertional Heat Stroke and evaluate the neurological impact of nerve agent exposure in collaboration with the U.S. military," stated Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals.

"As a result of the favorable court ruling requiring the FDA to grant BENDEKA orphan drug exclusivity, the FDA will not be able to approve any drug applications referencing BENDEKA until the ODE expires in December 2022. The court also denied the FDA’s attempt to preemptively exclude TREANDA generics from the scope of BENDEKA’s ODE. We continue to believe that an appropriate application of ODE would first allow generic TREANDA entrants in December 2022, rather than November 2019 and intend to vigorously pursue our position with the FDA and through additional litigation, if necessary," added Tarriff.

"We look forward to completing our clinical study for RYANODEX for EHS scheduled during the Hajj Pilgrimage, to support the data we have previously collected. We anticipate reporting results for our fulvestrant study later this year, along with progress on other products under development. We look forward to sharing our continued progress to create value for patients and shareholders," concluded Tarriff.

Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $59.3 million, as compared to $50.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Royalty revenue was $36.3 million, compared to $37.4 million in the second quarter of 2017. BENDEKA royalties were $34.7 million, compared to $35.1 million in the second quarter of 2017. A summary of total revenue is outlined below:

Gross margin was 69% in the second quarter of 2018, as compared to 72% in the second quarter of 2017. The gross margin on Big Bag was 68%, reflecting royalty obligations to our partners as well as cost of goods sold.

Research and development expenses increased to $15.3 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2017, largely due to external clinical costs associated with the fulvestrant clinical study. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense during the second quarter of 2018 was $13.4 million.

SG&A expenses decreased to $16.0 million in the second quarter of 2018 compared to $23.3 million in the second quarter of 2017. The decrease was due to the expiration of the Spectrum co-promotion agreement at the end of June 2017, as well as a reduction in marketing expenses. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, second quarter 2018 SG&A expense was $11.7 million.

Net income for the second quarter of 2018 was $2.7 million, or $0.18 per basic and $0.17 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.5 million, or $0.30 per basic and $0.28 per diluted share in the three months ended June 30, 2017, due to the factors discussed above.

Adjusted Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2018 was $14.7 million, or $0.99 per basic and $0.95 per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Non-GAAP net income of $7.9 million or $0.52 per basic and $0.49 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2017. For a full reconciliation of Adjusted Non-GAAP net income to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the tables at the end of this press release.

Liquidity

As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $100.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $69.4 million in net accounts receivable, $45.9 million of which was due from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The Company had $47.5 million in outstanding debt.

In the second quarter of 2018, we purchased $3.5 million of Eagle’s common stock as part of our expanded $100 million share buyback program. Since August 2016, we have repurchased $91.3 million of our common stock.

2018 Expense Guidance

2018 R&D expense is expected to be in the range of $46 – $50 million. This reflects expenses for (i) the enrollment of fulvestrant and RYANODEX EHS clinical trials; (ii) API outlays for the fulvestrant and vasopressin programs; and (iii) additional development work on the RYANODEX nerve agent program. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense is expected to be in the range of $40 – $44 million.

2018 SG&A expense is expected to be in the range of $61 – $64 million. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, SG&A expense is expected to be in the range of $44 – $47 million.

Conference Call

As previously announced, Eagle management will host its second quarter 2018 conference call as follows:

Date Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Time 8:30 A.M. EDT
Toll free (U.S.) 877-876-9177
International 785-424-1669
Webcast (live and replay)
www.eagleus.com, under the "Investor + News" section

A replay of the conference call will be available for one week after the call’s completion by dialing 800-727-5306 (US) or 402-220-2670 (International) and entering conference call ID EGRXQ218. The webcast will be archived for 30 days at the aforementioned URL.

Melinta Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On August 7, 2018 Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MLNT), a commercial-stage company discovering, developing and commercializing novel antibiotics to treat serious bacterial infections, reported financial results and provided an update on commercial activities for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, Cempra, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528650]). Melinta continued to make progress this quarter in its mission to save lives threatened by the global public health crisis of bacterial infections through the development and commercialization of novel antibiotics that provide new therapeutic solutions.

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Q2 2018 and Recent Business Highlights

Completed the hiring of 71 additional field sales personnel bringing total sales representatives to 170

Completed realignment and cross-training of experienced anti-infective sales force across all four products, including Baxdela (delafloxacin), Vabomere (meropenem and vaborbactam), Orbactiv (oritavancin) and Minocin (minocycline) for Injection

Made strong progress on hospital approval process of new launches, Vabomere and Baxdela

Vabomere granted New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), effective Oct. 1, 2018

Continued growth in retail market for Baxdela, driven by specialty retail focus of our sales force

Completed enrollment ahead of schedule for Baxdela Phase III trial for treatment of adults with community acquired bacterial pneumonia ("CABP")

Entered into partnership with CARB-X, receiving up to approximately $6 million to help advance pre-clinical and clinical development of a novel antibiotic class

Launched new antibiotic stewardship program designed to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance

Completed follow-on public offering of shares of common stock, raising approximately $115 million in net proceeds

Demonstrated breadth of commercial and clinical programs with 20 presentations at the American Society of Microbiology’s ASM Microbe 2018 meeting

"Melinta took important steps forward during the second quarter, with solid sales performance from our new launches of Baxdela and Vabomere and the completion of a public follow-on offering of common shares that significantly strengthened our long-term financial position," said Dan Wechsler, President and CEO of Melinta. "Product sales remained steady during the quarter and we continued to make excellent progress on our recent launches. We expect our sales trajectory to increase in the second half of the year, powered by our significantly increased presence in the marketplace and our expanded and now fully cross-trained sales force of 170 highly experienced sales representatives, with average hospital expertise of 15 years."

"We also continued to make advancements within our pipeline during the quarter. Our Phase III trial of Baxdela for the treatment of adults with CABP completed enrollment ahead of schedule and is on track for top-line data by the end of 2018. Our discovery organization also continued to advance their important work following the announcement of our agreement with CARB-X that will provide us funding to advance the development of a novel antimicrobial from our ESKAPE pathogen program."

"With the completion of our public offering, we are now in a strong financial position to support our continued growth."

2018 Upcoming Potential Catalysts

Pivotal Phase 3 data for Baxdela in CABP

Vabomere EMA regulatory approval decision

Vabomere Medicare NTAP status effective Oct. 1, 2018

Additional ex-U.S. submissions for Baxdela in Central and South America

Ex-U.S. partnership opportunities for Vabomere, Orbactiv and Minocin for Injection

Additional data and publications at ID Week

IND-enabling studies for the lead ESKAPE compound

Q2 2018 Financial Results

Melinta reported revenue of $12.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. In addition, the company earned $2.1 million in funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which it recorded as other income.

During the quarter, as part of the final stages of the integration of the Infectious Disease business acquired from The Medicines Company, Melinta implemented a new, direct-to-wholesaler distribution process that will shorten the Company’s overall supply chain cycle, reduce inventory levels at wholesalers and save fees paid to wholesalers. The change resulted in a one-time negative impact on second quarter revenues of $2.7 million, primarily impacting Orbactiv.

Second quarter of 2018 total net revenue of $12.0 million compares to total net revenue of $4.0 million for the same period in 2017, prior to the acquisition of The Medicines Company ID business and the launch of Baxdela. In the second quarters of 2018 and 2017, we recognized contract research revenue totaling $2.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively. In the second quarter of 2018, net product sales were $9.2 million. The net product sales reflect solid performance of new launches and include the impact described above of the implementation of the new, direct-to-wholesaler distribution process, which occurred during the quarter and resulted in a one-time negative impact of $2.7 million, primarily impacting Orbactiv.

Excludes BARDA grant funding included in Other Income of $2.1 million

Cost of goods sold ("COGS") was $11.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, of which $6.7 million was comprised of non-cash amortization of intangible assets and the step-up basis in inventory acquired from The Medicines Company in January 2018. Cost of goods sold also included charges of $2.4 million for Baxdela and Vabomere inventory that is approaching shelf life. Adjusted COGS was $2.0 million, excluding these non-cash charges, resulting in an Adjusted Gross Margin of 84% for the second quarter. There were no product sales and therefore no costs of goods sold in the prior year period.

Research and development ("R&D") expenses were $15.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to $14.1 million for the same period in 2017. The increase was driven by additional headcount and development activities resulting from the acquisition of the infectious disease business from The Medicines Company and the recent merger with Cempra. Adjusted R&D expenses were $15.6 million, which reflects the adjustment for non-cash expenses of $0.2 million.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $34.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to $7.7 million for the same period in 2017. The increase was driven by additional expenses associated with being a larger, public, commercial organization, including the operational impact of both the acquisition of the infectious disease business from The Medicines Company and the Cempra merger, consisting of additional headcount, facilities and commercial infrastructure. Approximately $1.7 million of SG&A expenses were a result of acquisition-related costs and lease exit costs, resulting in Adjusted SG&A expenses of $32.7 million.

Net loss was $55.8 million, or $1.38 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 compared to a net loss of $20.4 million for the same period in 2017. Net loss per share is impacted by changes in our share count as a result of the Cempra merger and financing related to the acquisition of the infectious disease business from The Medicines Company.

On May 29, 2018, Melinta completed a follow-on public offering of 21.9 million shares of its common stock. The underwriters of the public offering also exercised in full their option to purchase an additional 2.6 million shares of Melinta’s common stock. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $115.1 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses paid. As of June 30, 2018, Melinta had cash and cash equivalents of $150.1 million.

Q2 2018 and Recent Pipeline and Publication Highlights

20 presentations at ASM Microbe 2018, including pharmacoeconomic analyses of Vabomere and Orbactiv (oritavancin), and analyses showing the rising incidence of Gram-negative pathogens in skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs) and the changes to empiric therapy that may be considered to improve outcomes

12 presentations at the MAD-ID 2018 Annual Meeting, including detailed safety and efficacy findings from the Phase 3 PROCEED studies of Baxdela in patients with Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI)

Findings from the Orbactiv real-world registry demonstrating efficacy and safety consistent with the Phase 3 SOLO program published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases

12 Presentations at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) 2018 including six from Vabomere TANGO-2 trial, as well as new in vitro and in vivo findings for Baxdela and a pyrrolocytosine lead molecule

Pyrrolocytosine compound RX-P2382 against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species and Escherichia coli) at ECCMID 2018

TANGO-2 Trial at ECCMID 2018, highlighting outcomes in vulnerable patient populations

Discovery Platform Oral Presentations at ECCMID 2018 and ASM Microbe 2018 Highlighting Progress Towards Leads for Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Multidrug- and Extremely Drug-resistant ESKAPE Pathogens

Conference Call and Webcast

Melinta’s earnings conference call for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 will be broadcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on August 7, 2018. The live webcast can be accessed under "Events and Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of Melinta’s website at www.melinta.com.

Investors wishing to participate in the call should dial: 877-377-7553 and international investors should dial: 253-237-1151. The conference ID is 9594878. Investors can also access the call at View Source

A live webcast of the call will be available online from the Investor Relations section of the company website at www.melinta.com and will be archived there for 30 days. A telephone replay of the call will be available by dialing 855-859-2056 for domestic callers or 404-537-3406 for international callers and entering the conference ID # 9594878.

MacroGenics Provides Update on Corporate Progress and 2nd Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On August 7, 2018 MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGNX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, MacroGenics, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528763]).
"MacroGenics continues to advance its portfolio of oncology product candidates toward multiple data read-outs," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of MacroGenics. "We expect to complete enrollment of the SOPHIA Phase 3 metastatic breast cancer study of margetuximab in the next few months and be able to disclose top-line results in the first quarter of 2019. Also in early 2019, we expect to provide an update on the combination study of margetuximab with an anti-PD-1 agent in the treatment of gastric cancer patients in a Phase 2 study. In addition, we will provide updates later this year on both the enoblituzumab plus anti-PD-1 combination study, as well as the flotetuzumab monotherapy dose expansion study in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Finally, we recently submitted an investigational new drug (IND) application for our first antibody-drug conjugate – MGC018, an anti-B7-H3 ADC – and anticipate submitting an IND for MGD019 (PD-1 x CTLA-4 DART molecule) by year-end."
Key Pipeline Updates
Margetuximab. Recent highlights related to the Company’s Fc-optimized monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, include:

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Phase 3 Metastatic Breast Cancer Study. The pivotal SOPHIA study is evaluating the efficacy of margetuximab plus chemotherapy compared to trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in approximately 530 relapsed/refractory HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. MacroGenics remains on track to complete enrollment of the study in the next few months, with anticipated disclosure of topline PFS data in the first quarter of 2019.

Phase 2 Gastric Cancer Study. At the 2018 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June, MacroGenics presented updated interim clinical data from a Phase 2 study of margetuximab plus an anti-PD-1 agent in patients with HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. This chemotherapy-free combination, designed to coordinately engage innate and adaptive immunity, demonstrated that margetuximab plus an anti-PD-1 antibody may have enhanced antitumor activity in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The Company expects to complete enrollment of 25 additional gastric cancer patients in the next few months and present data in the first quarter of 2019.

Flotetuzumab. Recent highlights of the Company’s bispecific, humanized DART molecule that recognizes both CD123 and CD3, include:

Monotherapy Study. MacroGenics has completed the enrollment of its AML dose expansion cohort and plans to present updated clinical data and disclose further development plans in late 2018. The Company’s collaborator, Servier, has development and commercialization rights outside North America, Japan, Korea and India for flotetuzumab, also known as S80880.

Combination Study with MGA012. MacroGenics has previously presented data supporting the rationale for using checkpoint blockade as an approach to potentially enhance the anti-leukemic activity of flotetuzumab. MacroGenics intends to commence enrollment of a combination study

Exhibit 99.1

with MGA012, an anti-PD-1 mAb also known as INCMGA0012, later this year.
PD-1-Directed Immuno-Oncology Franchise. MacroGenics is advancing multiple PD-1-directed programs to enable both a broad set of combination opportunities across the Company’s portfolio and provide further differentiation from existing PD-1-based treatment options. These programs include:

MGA012. This humanized, proprietary anti-PD-1 mAb is being developed for use as monotherapy as well as in combination with other potential cancer therapeutics. MGA012 was licensed to Incyte Corporation in 2017 under a global collaboration and license agreement. MacroGenics retains the rights to develop MGA012 in combination with its pipeline assets, and has already initiated clinical combination studies with two separate DART molecules. In June 2018, Incyte announced its intention to pursue monotherapy development of MGA012 in MSI-high endometrial cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma and anal cancer through registration-directed studies, with data anticipated in 2020-2021.

MGD013. This first-in-class DART molecule provides co-blockade of two immune checkpoint molecules expressed on T cells, PD-1 and LAG-3, for the potential treatment of a range of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. MGD013 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study. MacroGenics expects to establish the dose and schedule for MGD013 administration as well as initiate dose expansion cohorts by year end 2018.

MGD019. This DART molecule is designed to provide co-blockade of both PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T cells. The Company anticipates submitting the IND application for MGD019 by year end 2018.
B7-H3 Franchise. MacroGenics is developing a portfolio of therapeutics that target B7-H3, a member of the B7 family of molecules involved in immune regulation. The Company is advancing multiple programs that target B7-H3 through complementary mechanisms of action that take advantage of this antigen’s broad expression across multiple solid tumor types. These molecules include:

Enoblituzumab: The Company completed the recruitment of patients in an ongoing study of this Fc-optimized mAb that targets B7-H3, in combination with an anti-PD-1 mAb and expects to present clinical data from this study as well as disclose further development plans in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Orlotamab (formerly known as MGD009): This DART molecule targeting B7-H3 and CD3 is being evaluated in a Phase 1 study. The Company recently established the dose and schedule for orlotamab administration and initiated monotherapy dose expansion cohorts in six different tumor types. In addition, a combination study of orlotamab and MGA012 was initiated in the first quarter of 2018 and is ongoing.

MGC018: The Company has submitted an IND for this anti-B7-H3 ADC and anticipates initiation of a Phase 1 study in the coming months. This first-in-man study is designed to study MGC018 both as monotherapy and in combination with MGA012 in patients with solid tumors.

Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2018, were $300.9 million, compared to $305.1 million as of December 31, 2017.

Exhibit 99.1

Revenue: Total revenue, consisting primarily of revenue from collaborative agreements, was $18.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Revenue from collaborative agreements includes the recognition of deferred revenue from payments received in previous periods as well as payments received during the year.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $52.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to $34.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. This increase was primarily due to the continued enrollment in the Company’s two margetuximab studies, flotetuzumab study and increased headcount to support expanded manufacturing and development activities.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $11.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to $8.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. This increase was primarily due to consulting and other costs incurred related to the implementation of the Company’s new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and increased patent expenses.

Net Loss: Net loss was $43.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to net loss of $40.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Shares Outstanding: Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2018 were 42,229,011.

Conference Call Information

MacroGenics will host a conference call today at 4:30 pm (ET) to discuss financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 and provide a corporate update. To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 303-6253 (domestic) or (973) 409-9610 (international) five minutes prior to the start of the call and provide the Conference ID: 9259899.

Sesen Bio Announces CEO and Board Transitions as Company Prepares for 12-Month VISTA Trial Data and Regulatory Submission in 2019

On August 7, 2018 Sesen Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: SESN), a late-stage clinical company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported key leadership transitions as part of its evolution into a commercial-stage oncology company (Press release, Eleven Biotherapeutics, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528946]). Thomas Cannell, DVM has been appointed chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors, bringing with him a wealth of leadership experience in building and overseeing strategic operations and global pharmaceutical commercialization for life science companies. Stephen Hurly left his employment with Sesen Bio effective August 7, 2018.

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"Over the last two years, Sesen Bio has undergone a unique evolution as a company. Following the acquisition of Viventia and the resulting transition from an ophthalmology organization to an oncology company, we have been wholly focused on developing Vicinium for high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer," said Wendy Dixon, Ph.D., chair of Sesen Bio’s board of directors. "We are grateful to Steve for his many significant contributions in advancing Sesen Bio to where it is today, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. As we transition further as a company, Tom will be an exceptional strategic leader bringing deep experience in drug development and commercialization to drive Vicinium, our pipeline and the company through this important next chapter."

Thomas Cannell most recently served as chief operating officer and president of global commercial products at Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., where he led the successful commercialization and profitability of Contrave. Prior to Orexigen, Dr. Cannell spent 27 years with Merck & Co., Inc., where he held senior leadership positions in global commercialization, consumer marketing, and sales operations and management for both development-stage programs and approved marketed products. While with Merck, he served as president of Merck Canada and head of marketing and strategy for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Japan, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., where he was responsible for setting up a long-standing strategic process and plan, managed a multi-billion-dollar product portfolio and oversaw thousands of employees. In addition, he designed and successfully piloted an innovative, customer-centric commercial model for Merck’s U.S. business. Dr. Cannell received his DVM degree from Washington State University.

"My enthusiasm for joining Sesen Bio is based on the novel mechanism of Vicinium, its potential as a monotherapy and combination agent, particularly with checkpoint inhibitors, and the range of therapeutic opportunities with our novel fusion proteins," stated Dr. Cannell. "Over the next several months, we will be focused on several strategic objectives across our pipeline. These include: completing the Phase 3 registration trial for Vicinium with 12-month data expected by mid-2019; engaging with regulatory authorities to prepare for our first BLA submission; initiating the appropriate pre-commercial activities to support a potential future product approval and launch; and exploring new therapeutic opportunities in additional indications. I am excited to join the company at this pivotal time and believe strongly in our ability to execute these strategic priorities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients."

Sesen Bio also announced today that Abbie Celniker, Ph.D. and Paul Chaney have stepped down from the company’s board of directors, effective August 7, 2018. Dr. Celniker, who served on the board of directors since the company’s founding by Third Rock Ventures in 2011, is focusing on her partner role at Third Rock Ventures and early-stage portfolio-building efforts. Mr. Chaney joined the company’s board in 2014 as a leader in developing innovative ophthalmic therapeutics and is leaving to continue his efforts in that area of drug development.

"I am very proud of the progress and many milestones that the Sesen Bio team has achieved, and it has been a pleasure to serve on the board with this outstanding group of industry leaders," said Dr. Celniker. "The company is uniquely positioned with a Phase 3 trial that is well underway, established clinical data, a lead product candidate with a pipeline of opportunities and a strong balance sheet to fund its growing organization. I look forward to watching Sesen Bio’s continued success as a supportive investor with Third Rock Ventures."

In connection with the appointment of Dr. Cannell, Sesen Bio entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Cannell that, among other things, provides for the grant of a non-statutory stock option outside of the company’s 2014 Stock Incentive Plan as an inducement material to Dr. Cannell’s entering into employment with Sesen Bio in accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock option to purchase 1,350,000 shares of the company’s common stock is being granted effective as of August 7, 2018. The stock option grant was approved by the independent compensation committee of the board of directors in accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock option will have an exercise price per share equal to the closing price per share of Sesen Bio’s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market on August 7, 2018. The stock option will have a ten-year term and will vest over a four-year period, with 25 percent of the shares underlying the stock option award vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and an additional 6.25 percent of the shares underlying the stock option vesting at the end of each successive three-month period following the one-year anniversary of the date of grant of the stock option, subject to Dr. Cannell’s continued service with the company through the applicable vesting dates.