On May 7, 2018 Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) reported that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company’s supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) and granted Priority Review for TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab), in combination with Avastin (bevacizumab), paclitaxel and carboplatin (chemotherapy), for the initial (first-line) treatment of people with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Press release, Hoffmann-La Roche, MAY 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234526147]). The FDA is expected to make a decision on approval by 5 September 2018. A Priority Review designation is granted to medicines that the FDA has determined to have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a disease.

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"Our phase III results showed TECENTRIQ in combination with Avastin, paclitaxel and carboplatin has the potential to provide a significant survival benefit in the initial treatment of metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer," said Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "We are working closely with the FDA to bring this treatment regimen to people with this type of lung cancer as soon as possible."

This sBLA is based on results from the Phase III IMpower150 study, which met its co-primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the initial treatment of people with advanced non-squamous NSCLC. The safety profile of the combination was consistent with the safety profiles of the individual medicines, and no new safety signals were identified.

TECENTRIQ is currently approved by the FDA to treat people with metastatic NSCLC who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, and have progressed on an appropriate FDA-approved targeted therapy if their tumour has ALK and EGFR mutations.

About the IMpower150 study
IMpower150 is a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled Phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TECENTRIQ in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without Avastin in people with stage IV non-squamous NSCLC who had not been treated with chemotherapy for their advanced disease. It enrolled 1,202 people, of which those with ALK and EGFR mutations were excluded from the primary intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. People were randomised (1:1:1) to receive:

TECENTRIQ plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (Arm A), or
TECENTRIQ and Avastin plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (Arm B), or
Avastin plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (Arm C, control arm)
The co-primary endpoints were OS and PFS, as determined by the investigator using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours Version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). The primary analysis of the co-primary PFS endpoint in IMpower150 was assessed in two populations: all randomised people without an ALK or EGFR genetic mutation (intention-to-treat wild-type) and in a subgroup of people who had a specific biomarker (T-effector "Teff" gene signature expression). The co-primary OS endpoint was assessed in all randomised people without an ALK or EGFR genetic mutation (intention-to-treat wild-type). Key secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed PFS and OS, safety in the ITT population and in EGFR and ALK mutation subgroups.

About NSCLC
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally1. Each year 1.59 million people die as a result of the disease; this translates into more than 4,350 deaths worldwide every day2. Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: NSCLC and small cell lung cancer. NSCLC is the most prevalent type, accounting for around 85% of all cases2.

About the TECENTRIQ and Avastin combination
There is a strong scientific rationale to support further investigation of TECENTRIQ plus Avastin in combination. We are investigating this combination in a broad range of cancers, including first-line advanced NSCLC. Avastin, in addition to its anti-angiogenic effects, may further enhance TECENTRIQ’s ability to restore anti-cancer immunity by inhibiting VEGF-related immunosuppression, promoting T cell tumour infiltration and enabling priming and activation of T cell responses against tumour antigens.

About TECENTRIQ
TECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1 expressed on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, TECENTRIQ may enable the activation of T cells. TECENTRIQ has the potential to be used as a foundational combination partner with cancer immunotherapies, targeted medicines and various chemotherapies across a broad range of cancers.

Currently, Roche has eight Phase III lung cancer studies underway, evaluating TECENTRIQ alone or in combination with other medicines.

TECENTRIQ is already approved in the European Union, United States and more than 60 countries for people with previously treated metastatic NSCLC and for people with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin chemotherapy, or who have had disease progression during or following platinum-containing therapy.

About Avastin
Avastin is a prescription-only medicine that is a solution for intravenous infusion. It is a biologic antibody designed to specifically bind to a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that plays an important role throughout the lifecycle of the tumour to develop and maintain blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. Avastin is designed to interfere with the tumour blood supply by directly binding to the VEGF protein to prevent interactions with receptors on blood vessel cells. The tumour blood supply is thought to be critical to a tumour’s ability to grow and spread in the body (metastasise).

About Roche in cancer immunotherapy
For more than 50 years, Roche has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in oncology. Today, we’re investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options that help a person’s own immune system fight cancer.

By applying our seminal research in immune tumour profiling within the framework of the Roche-devised cancer immunity cycle, we are accelerating and expanding the transformative benefits with TECENTRIQ to a greater number of people living with cancer. Our cancer immunotherapy development programme takes a comprehensive approach in pursuing the goal of restoring cancer immunity to improve outcomes for patients.

To learn more about the Roche approach to cancer immunotherapy please follow this link: View Source

On May 7, 2018 MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBVX), a clinical-stage oncology drug development company, reported that the May 3rd presentation from David Hansen, MabVax’s President and Chief Executive Officer, at VirtualInvestorConferences.com is now available for on-demand viewing at VirtualInvestorConferences.com (Press release, MabVax, MAY 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234526150]).

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Mr. Hansen provided a corporate overview, as well as a clinical update and outlined anticipated milestones for its Phase 1 clinical programs including the MVT-5873 clinical trial in combination with a standard of care chemotherapy as a first line therapy for patients newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the MVT-1075 radioimmunotherapy clinical trial for the treatment of pancreatic, colon and lung cancers.

MabVax Therapeutics’ presentation will be available for 90 days. Investors and advisors may download additional information and materials from the "virtual trade booth" for the next three weeks.

About VirtualInvestorConferences.com

Since 2010, VirtualInvestorConferences.com, created by BetterInvesting (NAIC) and PRNewswire, has been the only monthly virtual investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for presenting companies to meet directly with investors using a graphically-enhanced online platform.

Designed to replicate the look and feel of location-based investor conferences, Virtual Investor Conferences unites PR Newswire’s leading-edge online conferencing and investor communications capabilities with BetterInvesting’s extensive retail investor audience network. To learn more, please visit www.VirtualInvestorConferences.com.

On May 7, 2018 Lipocine Inc. (NASDAQ: LPCN), a specialty pharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, Lipocine, MAY 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234526168]).

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First Quarter and Recent Corporate Highlights

The Company received $10 million through a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB Loan").
·The Bone, Reproductive and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee ("BRUDAC") of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") met to discuss the New Drug Application ("NDA") for TLANDO, Lipocine’s oral testosterone product candidate for the proposed indication of testosterone replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism.
BRUDAC voted six in favor and thirteen against the acceptability of the overall benefit/risk profile to support approval of TLANDO as a testosterone replacement therapy ("TRT").
·The Company and the other defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding to settle the purported securities class action litigation captioned In re Lipocine Inc. Securities Litigation.
·The Company initiated a phlebotomy clinical study under the TLANDO investigational new drug ("IND") Application to confirm no ex-vivo conversion of testosterone undecanoate to testosterone.
·The Company submitted a draft protocol for an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring ("ABPM") clinical study to the FDA for review under the TLANDO IND.
The FDA’s assigned Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA") goal date for the TLANDO NDA is May 8, 2018.

"We look forward to learning the FDA outcome on our PDUFA goal date for TLANDO. We continue to believe that as an oral drug TLANDO offers significant benefits to patients compared to topical gels and injections. These benefits include overcoming the inadvertent testosterone transference risk to children and partners that exist with topical gels," said Dr. Mahesh Patel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lipocine.

First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Lipocine reported a net loss of $2.7 million, or ($0.13) per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared with a net loss of $4.9 million, or ($0.26) per diluted share, in the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

License revenues were $428,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to no revenue being received during the three months ended March 31, 2017. License revenue relates to royalty payments received from Spriaso, LLC under a licensing agreement for the cough and cold field.

Research and development expenses were $1.4 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared with $3.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily due to reduced contract research organization costs for TLANDO and lower personnel costs offset by increased outside service costs primarily related to the TLANDO BRUDAC meeting in January 2018 and increased contract manufacturing costs for LPCN 1107.

General and administrative expenses were $1.7 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared with $1.8 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased personnel costs and overhead costs offset by increased professional fees related to legal, intellectual property and commercial activities.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $27.8 million, compared to cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $21.5 million at December 31, 2017. In the event TLANDO is not approved by the FDA on or prior to May 31, 2018, the SVB loan requires $5.0 million of cash to be restricted and held as cash collateral until such time as TLANDO is approved by the FDA.

On May 7, 2018 VBL Therapeutics (Nasdaq:VBLT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer, reported that it will present data on its novel MOSPD2 program at the 17th MIXiii-BIOMED 2018 Conference and Exhibition, to be held May 15-17, 2018 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Press release, VBL Therapeutics, MAY 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234526151]).

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Presentation Details:

Track entitled: Next Generation Oncology Treatments
Abstract Title: MOSPD2: A Novel Target for Antibody-Mediated Killing of Tumor Cells
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Time: 16:00 – 16:15 IDT
Session Location: Hall A
For more information on the 17th MIXiii-BIOMED 2018 Conference and Exhibition refer to View Source

About MOSPD2
MOSPD2 is a novel tumor-related target identified by VBL that may be used as a marker for selective targeting of several types of tumors. Research conducted by VBL has shown that MOSPD2 is a novel membrane protein found on tumor cells that is present when they start invading tissues or creating metastatic lesions. The Company believes that targeting of MOSPD2 may have several therapeutic applications, including inhibition of tumor cell metastases and targeting of MOSPD2-positive tumor cells. There are also potential applications in the inhibition of monocyte migration in chronic inflammatory conditions. VBL is developing the VB-600 series of pipeline candidates towards these applications.

On May 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 March 31, 2018 (Press release, MacroGenics, MAY 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234526169]).

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"Our momentum continues to build in 2018, as our multiple product candidates advance toward data read-outs," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of MacroGenics. "During the first quarter, margetuximab passed an interim futility analysis for the SOPHIA Phase 3 metastatic breast cancer study. We also presented clinical data for the combination of margetuximab with an anti-PD-1 agent showing encouraging activity in the treatment of gastric cancer patients in a Phase 2 study. We plan to provide an update on this study, including presentation of biomarker data, at the upcoming ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting. During the second half of the year, we expect to provide clinical updates on both flotetuzumab in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and on the combination of enoblituzumab with an anti-PD-1 agent. In addition, we anticipate that two of our oncology product candidates will move into our clinical pipeline this year: MGD019 (PD-1 x CTLA-4 DART molecule) and MGC018 (B7-H3 ADC), the planned investigational new drug (IND) application submissions for which are both on track."

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:

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. In January 2018, the Company announced the completion of a pre-planned interim futility analysis with the recommendation of an independent data safety monitoring committee to continue SOPHIA as planned without modification. This analysis was based on a pre-specified assessment of progression-free survival as determined by independent central review. The Company also announced that the U.S. FDA had granted Fast Track designation for the investigation of margetuximab for treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced HER2 positive breast cancer who have previously been treated with anti-HER2-targeted therapy. MacroGenics remains on track to complete enrollment of the study in the fourth quarter of 2018, with anticipated disclosure of topline progression-free survival data in the first half of 2019.

Phase 2 Gastric Cancer Study. In January 2018, MacroGenics presented interim clinical data from a Phase 2 study of margetuximab plus an anti-PD-1 agent in patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. These results included encouraging tolerability and anti-tumor activity in a subpopulation of 25 gastric cancer patients. Based on these results, MacroGenics expanded the study and is enrolling 25 additional gastric cancer patients. The Company will present updated clinical and biomarker data at the 2018 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June.

Exhibit 99.1

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. The Company anticipates presenting updated clinical data and defining a potential registration path during the second half of 2018. The Company’s collaborator, Servier, has development and commercialization rights outside North America, Japan, Korea and India for flotetuzumab, also known as S80880.

Planned Combination Study with an anti-PD-1. 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 initiate a combination study with INCMGA0012, an anti-PD-1 mAb also known as MGA012, during the third quarter of 2018.
Other Pipeline Assets Update
Additional programs that the Company is advancing include the following:
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:

INCMGA0012. INCMGA0012 is a humanized, proprietary anti-PD-1 mAb being developed for use as monotherapy as well as in combination with other potential cancer therapeutics. INCMGA0012 was licensed to Incyte Corporation in 2017 under a global collaboration and license agreement. MacroGenics transferred the INCMGA0012 U.S. IND to Incyte during the first quarter of 2018.

MGD013. MacroGenics designed a DART molecule, MGD013, to provide 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 dose escalation study. MacroGenics expects to establish the dose and schedule for MGD013 administration as well as initiate dose expansion cohorts in the second half of 2018.

MGD019. This DART molecule is designed to provide co-blockade of both PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T cells. The Company is completing IND-enabling studies and anticipates submitting the IND application for MGD019 in the second half of 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 with four solid tumor types 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 in the second half of 2018.

MGD009: This DART molecule targeting B7-H3 and CD3 is being evaluated in a Phase 1 study across multiple solid tumor types. The Company expects to establish the dose and schedule for MGD009 administration as well as initiate monotherapy dose expansion cohorts in the second half of 2018. In addition, a combination study of MGD009 and INCMGA0012 was initiated during the first quarter of 2018.

Exhibit 99.1

MGC018: The Company is completing IND-enabling activities to support submission of an IND application for this anti-B7-H3 antibody drug conjugate (ADC) and anticipates initiation of a Phase 1 study in the second half of 2018.
Additional DART Clinical Programs. Additional DART molecules in Phase 1 clinical development being led by MacroGenics include the following:

MGD007. The Company recently completed a monotherapy study of MGD007, a DART molecule that recognizes gpA33 and CD3, and anticipates commencing a combination study with INCMGA0012 in the second quarter of 2018.

MGD014. MacroGenics’ first DART molecule designed to target an infectious agent, MGD014 recognizes the envelope protein of HIV-infected cells (Env) and the T cells’ CD3 component, to redirect the immune system’s T cells to kill HIV-infected cells. The Company expects to commence the Phase 1 study during the second quarter of 2018.

Corporate Update

Roche Collaboration. In January 2018, MacroGenics announced that it had entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche) to jointly discover and develop novel bispecific molecules to undisclosed targets. MacroGenics received an upfront payment of $10 million from Roche in January 2018 and is eligible to receive potential milestone payments and royalties on future sales.

GMP Manufacturing Suite Build-out: The Company is expanding its manufacturing capacity by completing the build-out of a GMP suite in its headquarters building in Rockville, Maryland to support larger-scale clinical and commercial manufacturing. MacroGenics expects to commence GMP production runs in this facility in the third quarter of 2018.

Common Stock Financing. On April 2, 2018, the Company closed its public offering of 5,175,000 shares of common stock. Net proceeds to MacroGenics, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, were $103 million.
First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of March 31, 2018, were $260.1 million, compared to $305.1 million as of December 31, 2017.

Revenue: Total revenue, consisting primarily of revenue from collaborative agreements, was $4.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $2.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 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 $45.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $32.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to the continued enrollment in the Company’s two margetuximab studies and the INCMGA0012 monotherapy clinical trial.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $9.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $7.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. This increase

Exhibit 99.1

was primarily due to consulting and other costs incurred related to the implementation of the Company’s new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Net Loss: Net loss was $49.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to net loss of $37.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Shares Outstanding: Shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 were 37,024,623.

Conference Call Information

MacroGenics will host a conference call today at 4:30 pm (ET) to discuss financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 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: 1647389.
The recorded, listen-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and archived on the Company’s website for 30 days following the call.