On November 14, 2018 Blue Earth Diagnostics, a molecular imaging diagnostics company, reported that a presentation related to the clinical use of 18F-fluciclovine in adults with glioma will be occurring at the upcoming Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Annual Scientific Meeting, being held November 15 – 18, 2018 in New Orleans, La (Press release, Blue Earth Diagnostics, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531313]). Blue Earth Diagnostics is investigating the potential use of 18F-fluciclovine in adults for the detection and continuing assessment of glioma.

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The presentation listed below highlights the investigational use of 18F-fluciclovine, as an adjunct to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in adults with glioma.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Session Type: Poster Session
Session Title:

A Blinded Image Evaluation Study to Determine the Diagnostic Efficacy of 18F- fluciclovine PET, as an Adjunct to MRI Imaging, in Adults with Glioma

Presenter: Matthew P. Miller, PhD, Blue Earth Diagnostics
Poster Number: NIMG-01
Abstract ID: 506064
Presentation Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. CT

Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is FDA-approved for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. The safety and efficacy of 18F-fluciclovine PET imaging in glioma have not been established.

U.S. Indication and Important Safety Information About Axumin

INDICATION

Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin PET imaging. A negative image does not rule out recurrent prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm its presence. The performance of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels. Axumin uptake may occur with other cancers and benign prostatic hypertrophy in primary prostate cancer. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur in patients who receive Axumin. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
Axumin use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Safe handling practices should be used to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers.
Adverse reactions were reported in ≤ 1% of subjects during clinical studies with Axumin. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, injection site erythema and dysgeusia.
To report suspected adverse reactions to Axumin, call 1-855-AXUMIN1 (1-855-298-6461) or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Full Axumin prescribing information is available at www.axumin.com.

About 18F-fluciclovine PET in Glioma

18F-fluciclovine PET is a diagnostic imaging radiopharmaceutical for PET imaging that consists of a synthetic amino acid labeled with the radioisotope F 18, enabling the visualization of the increased amino acid transport that occurs in malignant tumors. 18F-fluciclovine, under the trade name Axumin, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PET imaging in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. It is also under investigation by Blue Earth Diagnostics for use in adults for the detection and continuing assessment of glioma. 18F-fluciclovine has been granted Orphan Drug status by both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency for the diagnosis of glioma. The compound was invented at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., with much of the fundamental clinical development work carried out by physicians at Emory University’s Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences.

About Glioma

Glioma, the most commonly occurring type of primary brain tumor, is a serious and life-threatening condition. Cancer of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) is the twelfth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Glioma accounts for about 25% of all brain tumors, and 80% of all malignant brain tumors. The most aggressive form of glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality with relatively low 5-year survival estimates after diagnosis. Current treatment options for patients with glioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Accurate evaluation of the location and extent of a glioma tumor is essential before or during surgery and radiotherapy and in assessing the continuing status of the disease. The detection and assessment of gliomas typically involves magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which may be complemented by metabolic imaging using an appropriate amino acid-based PET radiopharmaceutical, as recommended in the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) working group and European Association for Neuro-Oncology (EANO) guidelines.1

On November 14, 2018 Cleveland BioLabs, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBLI) reported financial results and development progress for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018 (Press release, Cleveland BioLabs, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531430]).

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Cleveland BioLabs reported a net loss of $(1.1) million, excluding minority interests, for the third quarter of 2018, or $(0.10) per share, compared to a net loss, excluding minority interests, of $(1.26) million, or $(0.11) per share, for the same period in 2017. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to a decrease in the non-cash adjustment to our warrant liabilities, reduced operating costs aligned with our streamlined focus primarily on pursuing a pre Emergency Use Authorization with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for entolimod as a medical radiation countermeasure partially offset by an increase in General and Administrative costs related to the corporate formation of Genome Protection, Inc. (GPI), our joint venture with Everon Biosciences, Inc. focused on developing anti-aging medications.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $5.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, which, based on the Company’s current operational plan, is expected to fund operations for at least one year beyond the filing date of our Form 10-Q.

Yakov Kogan, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The development, pursuit of regulatory approval and commercialization for entolimod as a medical radiation countermeasure remains our top priority."

Further Financial Results

Revenue for the third quarter of 2018 decreased to $0.28 million compared to $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2017. The net decrease was primarily attributable to decreased revenue from our Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program ("JWMRP") contract from the Department of Defense ("DoD") for the continued development of the entolimod as a medical radiation countermeasure and decreased revenue from our service contract with Incuron.

Research and development costs for the third quarter of 2018 decreased to $0.8 million compared to $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2017. The reduction in research and development costs is due to a $0.2 million reduction in spending for biodefense applications of entolimod and a $0.1 million reduction in spending on Panacela’s product candidates partially offset by a $0.2 million increase in expenses related to the oncology applications of the entolimod family of compounds.

General and administrative costs for the third quarter of 2018 increased to $0.7 million compared to $0.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily attributable to one-time legal costs associated with the corporate formation of GPI and Norma Investments Limited’s investment in GPI, and expense related to a one-time settlement for the previously completed research contracts with the Russian Ministry of Trade.

On November 13, 2018 Surface Oncology (NASDAQ:SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported financial results and corporate highlights for the third quarter of 2018 (Press release, Surface Oncology, NOV 13, 2018, View Source [SID1234531244]).

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"The team we have assembled at Surface Oncology continues to excel in its execution, both in the clinic with SRF231 and with our later stage preclinical programs targeting CD39 and IL-27," said Jeff Goater, chief executive officer of Surface Oncology. "The overall accomplishments in the field of immuno-oncology have been transformative for patients, but we are driven by the fact that there is so much more to be done to help those affected by cancer. Our diverse portfolio represents a broad and unique approach to fighting cancers, targeting multiple pathways to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment."

Selected Corporate Highlights:

Dose escalation continues for phase 1 studies of both SRF231 (CD47) and NZV930 (CD73), with initial data for SRF231 anticipated H1 2019.
IND-enabling studies for both SRF617 (CD39) and SRF388 (IL-27) are ongoing and filings are anticipated around the end of 2019 and early 2020, respectively.
A recent publication in the scientific journal Nature1 highlighted the role of IL-27 in, and its potential as a master switch of, the expression of certain checkpoint proteins.
Two scientific posters highlighting SRF231 were accepted for presentation at the 60th American Society for Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA:
° "The fully human anti-CD47 antibody SRF231 has dual-mechanism antitumor activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and increases the activity of both rituximab and venetoclax"
° "Targeted inhibition of CD47-SIRP alpha requires Fc-Fc Gamma receptor interactions to maximize phagocytosis in T-Cell lymphomas" (Oral presentation)
Expansion of our facility at 50 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA began in September. The expansion is slated for completion in Q4 and will add over 12,000 square feet of both laboratory and office space.
Financial Results:
As of September 30, 2018, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $173.4 million, compared to $185.6 million on June 30, 2018. Research and development (R&D) expenses were $15.8 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared to $12.1 million for the same period in 2017. The increase was primarily driven by expenditures associated with Surface’s advancing product pipeline, including increased R&D personnel costs associated with the growth of the Company. R&D expenses included $0.5 million in stock-based compensation expenses for the third quarter of 2018.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $4.0 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared to $4.7 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was largely due to a one-time charge related to employee separation costs during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by increases in professional fees related to legal and accounting services. G&A expenses included $0.7 million in stock-based compensation expenses for the third quarter of 2018.

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2018, net loss was $17.2 million, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.62. Net loss was $14.4 million for the same period in 2017, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $5.75.

On November 13, 2018 Cellectis S.A. (Paris:ALCLS) (NASDAQ:CLLS) (Euronext Growth: ALCLS – Nasdaq: CLLS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immunotherapies based on gene-edited allogeneic CAR T-cells (UCART), reported its results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 and for the nine-month period end September 30, 2018 (Press release, Cellectis, NOV 13, 2018, View Source [SID1234531264]).

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1 Cash position includes cash, cash equivalent and current financial assets

Third Quarter 2018 and Recent Highlights

UCART123 (wholly controlled) – AML & BPDCN patients

The Phases 1 dose escalation studies of UCART123 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical Center remain ongoing.

For the AML clinical trial, the current dose level of 2.5×105 UCART123 cells per kilogram will be followed by dose levels 2 and 3 with 6.25×105 and 5.05×106 UCART123 cells per kilogram. We are expecting to dose 2-4 patients per dose cohort, with a treatment follow-up period of 4 weeks per patient as well as an option to re-dose responding patients.

UCART22 (wholly controlled) – B-ALL patients

The FDA approved an IND for UCART22, with a first Phase 1 clinical study in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) adult patients.

UCART22 is the 3rd allogeneic, off-the-shelf, gene-edited CAR T-cell product candidate developed by Cellectis to enter clinical trials.

UCART22 is designed for the treatment of CD22-expressing cancer cells. Like CD19, CD22 is a cell surface antigen expressed from the pre-B-cell stage of development through mature B-cells and is expressed in more than 90% of patients with B-ALL. Approximately 85% of ALL cases involve precursor B-cells (B-ALL). The clinical research for UCART22 will be led by Dr. Nitin Jain, Assistant Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Prof. Hagop Kantarjian, Professor and Chair in the Department of Leukemia and University Chair in Cancer Medicine, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

UCARTCS1 (wholly controlled) – Multiple Myeloma patients

A clinical trial for UCARTCS1 is expected to start in 2019 in Multiple Myeloma patients.

UCARTCS1 is our first allogeneic CAR T-cell product candidate for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients. We have chosen CS1 (also known as SLAMF7) as the targeted antigen for this program, based on the high levels of expression of CS1 in MM patients on malignant cells relative to the low level of expression on non-malignant cells as well as on the results of third parties’ proof of concept for this high value target achieved with the elotuzumab monoclonal antibody in MM patients.

UCART19 (partnered, exclusively licensed to Servier) – ALL patients

Recently, an abstract titled "896 Preliminary Data on Safety, Cellular Kinetics and Anti-Leukemic Activity of UCART19, an Allogeneic Anti-CD19 CAR T-Cell Product, in a Pool of Adult and Pediatric Patients with High-Risk CD19+ Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia" for oral presentation at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, was published online, showing the continued progress of UCART19 in Phase 1 clinical trials, for both pediatric and adult ALL patients.

After UCART19 infusion, 88% of evaluable patients (14/16) achieved a complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete blood cell recovery (CRi) by day 28 or day 42 post UCART19 infusion and 86% (12/14) of these patients were ‘measurable residual disease’ (MRD) negative (MRD- stands for less than 1 leukemic cell among 104 normal cells) assessed by flow or qPCR.

We are pleased to see continued progress for UCART19 under the management of our partner Servier.

Under the collaboration agreement with Servier from 2014, Cellectis is entitled to receive up to $350 million in clinical and regulatory milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties in the high single digits on worldwide sales.

ALLO-715 (BCMA) and ALLO-819 (Flt3) (partnered, exclusively licensed to Allogene)

In addition, Allogene has released (i) an abstract for oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 annual meeting, describing pre-clinical research on ALLO-715, an allogeneic BCMA CAR T therapy possessing an off-switch for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, and (ii) an abstract for a poster presentation for ALLO-819, an allogeneic Flt3 CAR T therapy possessing an off-switch for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

ALLO-715 and ALLO-819 were progressed under a joint research collaboration with Allogene, and are directed to targets that were licensed exclusively from Cellectis. Allogene holds the exclusive global development and commercial rights for these product candidates.

Cellectis remains eligible to receive clinical and commercial milestone payments of up to $2.8 billion, or $185 million per target for 15 targets, and tiered royalties in the high single digits on worldwide sales of any products that are developed by Allogene, as originally agreed to under the June 17, 2014 Collaboration Agreement with Pfizer.

Manufacturing

We are currently in the process of internalizing large parts of our proprietary manufacturing chain for clinical supplies and we are planning to build a proprietary cGMP, commercial scale manufacturing facility in the United States.

Corporate Governance

On August 2, 2018, Cellectis announced the appointment of Dr. Stefan Scherer, M.D., Ph.D., to the role of Senior Vice President Clinical Development and Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

On September 19, 2018, Cellectis announced that Stephan A. Grupp, MD, Ph.D., a leading pediatric oncologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chief of the Section of Cellular Therapy and Transplant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) joined the Company’s Clinical Advisory Board (CAB).

Financial Results

Cellectis’ consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("GAAP").

Third Quarter and Nine-months 2018 Financial Results

Cash: As of December 31, 2017, Cellectis had $297.0 million in total cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets compared to $475.9 million as of September 30, 2018. This increase of $178.9 million primarily reflects $227.4 million net cash proceeds provided by follow-on offerings completed by Cellectis and Calyxt, partially offset by the net cash flows used by operating activities of $47.5 million.

We believe that our cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets of $475.9 million as of September 30, 2018 will be sufficient to fund our operations until 2022.

Revenues and Other Income: Total revenues and other income were $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Total revenues and other income were $18.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $26.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in both periods was primarily attributable to a decrease in recognition of upfront fees already paid to Cellectis and research and development cost reimbursements in relation to collaborations.

R&D Expenses: Total R&D expenses were $18.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $20.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Total R&D expenses were $55.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $58.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in both periods was primarily driven by decreased non-cash stock-based compensation expenses partially offset by increased wages and salaries.

SG&A Expenses: Total SG&A expenses were $11.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributable by decreased non-cash stock-based compensation expenses partially offset by increased in purchases and external expenses. Total SG&A expenses were $36.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily driven by increased purchases and external expenses and wages and salaries partially offset by a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation.

Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Cellectis: Net loss attributable to Shareholders of Cellectis was $22.8 million (or $0.54 per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $26.2 million (or $0.73 per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net loss attributable to Shareholders of Cellectis was $55.4 million (or $1.38 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 72.3 million (or $2.03 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in both periods was primarily driven by financial gains and decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by decreased revenues and other income and increased purchases and external expenses and wages and salaries.

Adjusted Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of Cellectis: Net loss attributable to Shareholders of Cellectis was $15.1 million ($0.36 per share), for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $14.3 million ($0.40 per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net loss attributable to Shareholders of Cellectis was $28.0 million ($0.70 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $34.3 million ($0.96 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Please see "Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Cellectis to adjusted net income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Cellectis.

On November 13, 2018 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), currently developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus, reported that the Company is scheduled to attend the following upcoming conferences (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, NOV 13, 2018, View Source [SID1234531298]):

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Jefferies 2018 London Healthcare Conference
November 14 & 15, 2018, Waldorf Hilton, London, UK

Dr. Matt Coffey, President & CEO and Mr. Kirk Look, CFO, to attend and host meetings

60th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 1 – 4, 2018, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA

Dr. Matt Coffey, President & CEO, to attend and host meetings

Dr. Craig C. Hofmeister, Acting Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, will present data in a poster presentation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. PDT on Sunday, December 2, in Hall GH

American Society of Clinical Oncology sponsored, Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium 2019
January 17 – 19, 2019, Moscone West Building, San Francisco, CA

Dr. Matt Coffey, President & CEO, to attend and host meetings