On May 6, 2018 Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), reported that the U.S. 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, Genentech, MAY 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234526164]). The FDA is expected to make a decision on approval by September 5, 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, M.D., 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 tumor has ALK or EGFR gene abnormalities.

About the IMpower150 study

IMpower150 is a multicenter, open-label, randomized, 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 randomized (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 Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). The primary analysis of the co-primary PFS endpoint in IMpower150 was assessed in two populations: all randomized 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 randomized 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 lung cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 234,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, and NSCLC accounts for 85 percent of all lung cancers. It is estimated that approximately 60 percent of lung cancer diagnoses in the United States are made when the disease is in the advanced stages.

About the TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab) 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 tumor infiltration and enabling priming and activation of T-cell responses against tumor antigens.

About TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab)

TECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1. TECENTRIQ is designed to bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, TECENTRIQ may enable the re-activation of T cells. TECENTRIQ may also affect normal cells.

About Avastin (bevacizumab)

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 tumor to develop and maintain blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. Avastin is designed to interfere with the tumor blood supply by directly binding to the VEGF protein to prevent interactions with receptors on blood vessel cells. The tumor blood supply is thought to be critical to a tumor’s ability to grow and spread in the body (metastasize).

TECENTRIQ U.S. Indication (pronounced ‘tē-SEN-trik’)

TECENTRIQ is a prescription medicine used to treat:

a type of bladder and urinary tract cancer called urothelial carcinoma.

TECENTRIQ may be used when your bladder cancer:
has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced urothelial carcinoma), and
you are not able to take chemotherapy that contains a medicine called cisplatin, or
you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working
The approval of TECENTRIQ in these patients is based on a study that measured response rate and duration of response. There is an ongoing study to confirm clinical benefit.

A type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

TECENTRIQ may be used when your lung cancer:
has spread or grown, and
you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working
If your tumor has an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene, you should have also tried an FDA-approved therapy for tumors with these abnormal genes, and it did not work or is no longer working.

It is not known if TECENTRIQ is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

Important Information About TECENTRIQ

TECENTRIQ can cause the immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in many areas of the body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life threatening and can lead to death.

Patients should call or see their healthcare provider right away if they get any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse.

TECENTRIQ can cause serious side effects, including:

Lung problems (pneumonitis ) – signs and symptoms may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
Liver problems (hepatitis) – signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of the stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual
Intestinal problems (colitis) – signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, blood or mucous in the stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools, and severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness
Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary) – signs and symptoms that the hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches, extreme tiredness, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness or fainting, feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness), feeling cold, constipation, voice gets deeper, urinating more often than usual, nausea or vomiting, and stomach area (abdomen) pain
Problems in other organs – signs and symptoms may include severe muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, confusion, blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems, changes in mood or behavior, extreme sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, eye pain or redness, skin blisters or peeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles
Severe infections – signs and symptoms of infection may include fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, pain when urinating, and frequent urination or back pain
Severe infusion reactions – signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the face or lips, dizziness, fever, feeling like passing out, and back or neck pain
Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. A healthcare provider may treat a patient with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. A healthcare provider may delay or completely stop treatment with TECENTRIQ if a patient has severe side effects.

Before receiving TECENTRIQ, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:

Have immune system problems (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus); have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have a condition that affects their nervous system (such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome); or are being treated for an infection
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TECENTRIQ can harm an unborn baby. If patients are able to become pregnant, they should use an effective method of birth control during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of TECENTRIQ
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TECENTRIQ passes into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of TECENTRIQ
Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of TECENTRIQ in people with urothelial carcinoma include:

feeling tired
decreased appetite
nausea
constipation
urinary tract infection
diarrhea
fever
The most common side effects of TECENTRIQ in people with non-small cell lung cancer include:

feeling tired
decreased appetite
muscle pain
cough
shortness of breath
TECENTRIQ may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability to have children. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider if they have concerns about fertility.

These are not all the possible side effects of TECENTRIQ. Patients should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Patients should call their doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or View Source Report side effect to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please visit View Source for the TECENTRIQ full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

Avastin Indications:

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) for first- or second-line treatment in combination with intravenous 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy. It is also approved to treat mCRC for second-line treatment when used with fluoropyrimidine-based (combined with irinotecan or oxaliplatin) chemotherapy after cancer progresses following a first-line treatment that includes Avastin.
Avastin is not approved for use after the primary treatment of colon cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.
Advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in people who have not received chemotherapy for their advanced disease.
Metastatic kidney cancer (mRCC) when used with interferon alfa.
Glioblastoma (GBM) in adult patients whose cancer has progressed after prior treatment (recurrent or rGBM).
Advanced cervical cancer (CC) in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and topotecan is approved to treat persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cancer of the cervix.
Recurrent ovarian cancer (rOC) . Avastin in combination with paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan, is approved to treat platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (prOC) in women who received no more than two prior chemotherapy treatments. Avastin, either in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel or with carboplatin and gemcitabine, followed by Avastin alone, is approved for the treatment of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (psOC).
Possible serious side effects

Everyone reacts differently to Avastin therapy. So it’s important to know what the side effects are. Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not. Their doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur. Patients should talk to their doctor if there are any signs of these side effects.

Most serious side effects (not common, but sometimes fatal):

GI perforation. A hole that develops in the stomach or intestine. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or fever
Wounds that don’t heal. A cut made during surgery can be slow to heal or may not fully heal. Avastin should not be used for at least 28 days before or after surgery and until surgicalwounds are fully healed
Serious bleeding. This includes vomiting or coughing up blood; bleeding in the stomach, brain, or spinal cord; nosebleeds; and vaginal bleeding. If a patient has recently coughed up blood or had serious bleeding, they should be sure to tell their doctor
Other possible serious side effects

Abnormal passage in the body. This type of passage—known as a fistula—is an irregular connection from one part of the body to another and can sometimes be fatal
Severe high blood pressure. Blood pressure that severely spikes or shows signs of affecting the brain. Blood pressure should be monitored every 2 to 3 weeks while on Avastin and after stopping treatment
Kidney problems. These may be caused by too much protein in the urine and can sometimes be fatal
Infusion reactions. These were uncommon with the first dose (less than 3% of patients). 0.2% of patients had severe reactions. Infusion reactions include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, trouble breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, a serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headache, tremors, and excessive sweating. The patient’s doctor or nurse will monitor for signs of infusion reactions
Severe stroke or heart problems. These may include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, chest pain, and the heart may become too weak to pump blood to other parts of the body (congestive heart failure). These can sometimes be fatal
Nervous system and vision problems. Signs include headache, seizure, high blood pressure, sluggishness, confusion, and blindness
Side effects seen most often

In clinical studies across different types of cancer, some patients experienced the following side effects:

High blood pressure
Too much protein in the urine
Nosebleeds
Rectal bleeding
Back pain
Headache
Taste change
Dry skin
Inflammation of the skin
Inflammation of the nose
Watery eyes
Avastin is not for everyone

Patients should talk to their doctor if they are:

Undergoing surgery. Avastin should not be used for 28 days before or after surgery and until surgical wounds are fully healed
Pregnant or think they are pregnant. Data have shown that Avastin may harm a woman’s unborn baby. Birth control should be used while patients are on Avastin. If Avastin is stopped, patients should keep using birth control for 6 months before trying to become pregnant
Planning to become pregnant. Taking Avastin could cause a woman’s ovaries to stop working and may impair her ability to have children
Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding while on Avastin may harm the baby and is therefore not recommended
Patients should talk with their doctor if they have any questions about their condition or treatment.

Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or View Source Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

For full Prescribing Information on Avastin please visit View Source

About Genentech in Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy

For more than 30 years, Genentech has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in oncology. Today, we’re investing more than ever to bring personalized cancer immunotherapy (PCI) to people with cancer. The goal of PCI is to provide each person with a treatment tailored to harness his or her own immune system to fight cancer. Genentech is studying more than 20 investigational medicines, 10 of which are in clinical trials. In every study we are evaluating biomarkers to identify which people may be appropriate candidates for our medicines. For more information visit View Source

About Genentech in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a major area of focus and investment for Genentech, and we are committed to developing new approaches, medicines and tests that can help people with this deadly disease. Our goal is to provide an effective treatment option for every person diagnosed with lung cancer. We currently have four approved medicines to treat certain kinds of lung cancer and more than 10 medicines being developed to target the most common genetic drivers of lung cancer or to boost the immune system to combat the disease.

On May 4, 2018 ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN), a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, reported operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, ImmunoGen, MAY 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234526121]).

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"We have achieved a number of important milestones to start the year, led by the advancement of mirvetuximab soravtansine," said Mark Enyedy, ImmunoGen’s president and chief executive officer. "Our FORWARD I registration trial continues as planned following the successful outcome of the pre-specified interim futility analysis and the completion of enrollment in the trial earlier than expected. This accelerated accrual reflects the significant interest expressed by the oncology community in mirvetuximab and the need for new treatments in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. In addition, as we look to expand the eligible patient population for this program, we were also pleased to report encouraging data for mirvetuximab in combination with Keytruda from our FORWARD II trial at SGO in March and look forward to presenting additional data from FORWARD II during 2018, with a poster presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) for the mirvetuximab and Avastin expansion cohort. Finally, with our continued evolution towards a commercial-stage company, we have strengthened our management team with the addition of Blaine McKee as Chief Business Officer."

Recent Progress

Mirvetuximab Soravtansine

In April, ImmunoGen announced the completion of patient enrollment two months ahead of schedule in its Phase 3 FORWARD I trial. FORWARD I is designed to support full approval of mirvetuximab as a single-agent therapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
In April, ImmunoGen successfully completed a pre-specified interim analysis for futility after 80 progression-free survival (PFS) events in FORWARD I. The study will continue as planned based on the recommendation of the Independent Data Monitoring Committee and the Company is on-track to report top-line results in first half of 2019.
In March, ImmunoGen presented data from the dose-escalation FORWARD II cohort evaluating mirvetuximab in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting, demonstrating encouraging efficacy and favorable tolerability in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Notably, in the subset of eight patients with medium or high levels of folate receptor alpha (FRα) expression, the confirmed overall response rate (ORR) was 63 percent (95% CI 25, 92), with a median PFS of 8.6 months (95% CI 1.6, upper bound not yet reached), and duration of response of 36.1 weeks. Based on these data, ImmunoGen is enrolling an additional 35 patients with medium or high FRα expression levels in an expansion cohort in the FORWARD II study and expects to present data from this cohort later this year.
Early-Stage Pipeline – Novel IGN Compounds

IMGN779 is a CD33-targeting ADC in a Phase 1 dose-finding study in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dose escalation is continuing with both biweekly and weekly dosing schedules. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan-drug designation to IMGN779 for the treatment of AML.
IMGN632 is a CD123-targeting ADC in a Phase 1 dose-finding study for AML and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).
Research and Innovation

In April, ImmunoGen presented three posters at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting highlighting the Company’s ongoing innovation in ADCs, including advancements to payloads and targets for enhanced anti-tumor activity as well as insights into factors that determine the clinical efficacy of ADCs.
Anticipated Upcoming Events

Report updated data from the FORWARD II mirvetuximab plus Avastin (bevacizumab) combination expansion cohort in approximately 50 patients at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting;
Anticipate partner Takeda to begin clinical testing of TAK-164 in 2Q 2018;
Report initial findings from the FORWARD II mirvetuximab plus pembrolizumab combination expansion cohort in 35 patients in the second half of the year;
Report additional data from IMGN779 Phase 1 dose finding study in 4Q 2018 and identify the recommended Phase 2 dose before the end of the year;
Report initial data from IMGN632 Phase 1 dose finding study in 4Q 2018; and
Advance ADAM9 program into IND-enabling activities before year-end.
Financial Results

Revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 were $19.8 million, compared to $28.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. License and milestone fees of $11.5 million for the first quarter of 2018 included $10.9 million and $0.5 million of recognized upfront fees previously received from Takeda and Debiopharm, respectively, compared to recognition of $12.7 million of a non-cash fee related to the Company’s license agreement with CytomX and $6 million in partner milestone payments received in the first quarter of 2017. Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 included $7.2 million in non-cash royalty revenues, compared with $7.6 million for the same quarter in 2017, reflecting a change in accounting standards for recognizing royalty revenue. Revenues for the first quarter of 2018 also included $0.4 million of research and development (R&D) support fees and $0.7 million of clinical materials revenue, compared with $1.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the same quarter in 2017.

Operating expenses, including R&D and G&A expenses, for the first quarter of 2018 were $56.6 million, compared to $41.4 million for the same quarter in 2017. R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2018 increased to $44.8 million, compared to $32.9 million for the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to increased clinical trial and drug supply costs driven largely by the accelerated timing of completing patient enrollment in the FORWARD I Phase 3 clinical trial. General and administrative expenses increased in the first quarter of 2018 to $10.0 million, compared to $8.1 million in the same quarter of 2017, primarily due to increased third-party service fees and stock-based compensation. Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2018 also included a $1.7 million restructuring charge due to the workforce reduction related to the decommissioning of our Norwood facility as previously announced by the Company, compared to a $0.4 million charge in the same quarter of 2017 related to losses recorded on leased office space in Waltham.

ImmunoGen reported a net loss of $38.6 million, or $0.30 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018, compared to a net loss of $17.3 million, or $0.20 per basic and diluted share, for the same quarter last year.

ImmunoGen had $218.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2018, compared with $267.1 million as of December 31, 2017, and had $2.1 million of convertible debt outstanding in each period. Cash used in operations was $50.0 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared with $33.0 million for the first quarter of 2017. Capital expenditures were $1.0 million and $0.4 million for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Financial Guidance

ImmunoGen has updated its operating expenses guidance for 2018. ImmunoGen now expects:

operating expenses between $200 million and $205 million.
Guidance for revenues and cash remains unchanged:

revenues between $60 million and $65 million; and
cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018 between $115 million and $120 million.
ImmunoGen expects that its current cash combined with the expected cash revenues from partners and collaborators will enable the Company to fund its operations into the fourth quarter of 2019.

Conference Call Information
ImmunoGen will hold a conference call today at 8:00 am ET to discuss these results. To access the live call by phone, dial 719-325-4799; the conference ID is 2070974. The call may also be accessed through the Investors section of the Company’s website, www.immunogen.com. Following the live webcast, a replay of the call will be available at the same location through May 18, 2018.

On May 4, 2018 NantHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: NH), a next-generation, evidence-based, personalized healthcare company, reported that it will report financial results for its 2018 first quarter on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, after market close (Press release, NantHealth, MAY 4, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2347044 [SID1234526122]). NantHealth management will host a conference call that same day at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) to review the company’s performance.

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The conference call will be available to interested parties by dialing 844-309-3709 from the U.S. or Canada, or 281-962-4864 from international locations, passcode 8963439. The call will be broadcast via the Internet at www.nanthealth.com.

On May 4, 2018 RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: RDHL) (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on late clinical-stage development and commercialization of proprietary drugs for gastrointestinal diseases, reported that it has enrolled over 300 of the planned total of 444 patients, in the ongoing confirmatory Phase III study investigating TALICIA (RHB-105)1 for H. pylori infection (ERADICATE Hp2) (Press release, RedHill Biopharma, MAY 4, 2018, View Source;LNGID=1&TMID=178&FID=1384&PID=0&IID=7172 [SID1234526123]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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RedHill remains on track to potentially complete enrollment of the ERADICATE Hp2 study in the third quarter of 2018 and expects to announce top-line results in the fourth quarter of 2018.

TALICIA was granted QIDP (Qualified Infectious Disease Product) designation by the FDA under the GAIN Act, including Fast-Track development, priority New Drug Application (NDA) review of 6 months, if filed, and extended U.S. market exclusivity for a total of eight years.

The two-arm, randomized, double-blind, active comparator, confirmatory Phase III study was designed to enroll 444 non-investigated dyspepsia patients with confirmed H. pylori infection at up to 65 clinical sites in the U.S.. The primary endpoint is eradication of H. pylori infection at 43 through 71 days after initiation of treatment.

Subject to a successful outcome and additional regulatory feedback, the ERADICATE Hp2 study is expected to complete the package required for a potential U.S. NDA for TALICIA. The filing is planned for early 2019 and, if accepted for review, the FDA could potentially approve TALICIA in the second half of 2019.

The ERADICATE Hp2 confirmatory Phase III study with TALICIA (RHB-105) is registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov, a web-based service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), which provides access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies.

The first Phase III study with TALICIA (ERADICATE Hp study) successfully met its protocol-defined mITT primary endpoint of superiority over historical standard-of-care (SoC) eradication rate of 70%, with high statistical significance (p<0.001). The study results demonstrated 89.4% efficacy in eradicating H. pylori infection with TALICIA. Notably, the 89.4% efficacy in eradicating H. pylori infection with TALICIA was also superior to subsequent open-label treatment with SoC therapies of patients in the placebo arm of the ERADICATE Hp study, which demonstrated 63% eradication rate in the mITT population (p=0.006), further supporting the potential efficacy of TALICIA. Treatment with TALICIA appeared to be safe and well tolerated.

About H. pylori
H. pylori bacterial infection is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and is estimated to affect over half of the adult population worldwide2.

The 2015 worldwide and U.S. markets for H. pylori eradication therapies were estimated at approximately $4.83 billion and $1.45 billion, respectively3.

About TALICIA (RHB-105):
TALICIA (RHB-105) is a new and proprietary fixed-dose oral combination therapy of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in an all-in-one oral capsule with a planned indication for the treatment of H. pylori infection. H. pylori bacterial infection is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. A first Phase III study with TALICIA (ERADICATE Hp study) was completed in the U.S. with positive results. The study demonstrated an overall success rate of 89.4% in eradicating H. pylori and met its protocol-defined primary endpoint of superiority in eradication of H. pylori infection over historical standard-of-care efficacy levels of 70%, with high statistical significance (p<0.001). A confirmatory Phase III study (ERADICATE Hp2 study) is ongoing in the U.S. Additional studies may be required, subject to FDA review. TALICIA was previously granted Qualifying Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation by the FDA, providing a Fast-Track development pathway, as well as NDA Priority Review status, potentially leading to a shorter (6 months) NDA review time by the FDA, if filed. If approved, TALICIA will also receive an additional five years of exclusivity, in addition to the standard exclusivity period, for a total of 8 years of U.S. market exclusivity.

About RedHill Biopharma Ltd.:
RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: RDHL) (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange: RDHL) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company, primarily focused on the development and commercialization of late clinical-stage, proprietary drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. RedHill commercializes and promotes three gastrointestinal products in the U.S.: Donnatal – a prescription oral adjunctive drug used in the treatment of IBS and acute enterocolitis; Esomeprazole Strontium Delayed-Release Capsules 49.3 mg – a prescription proton pump inhibitor indicated for adults for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastrointestinal conditions; and EnteraGam – a medical food intended for the dietary management, under medical supervision, of chronic diarrhea and loose stools. RedHill’s key clinical-stage development programs include: (i) TALICIA (RHB-105) for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with an ongoing confirmatory Phase III study and positive results from a first Phase III study; (ii) RHB-104 with an ongoing first Phase III study for Crohn’s disease and a planned pivotal Phase III study for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections; (iii) BEKINDA (RHB-102) with positive results from a Phase III study for acute gastroenteritis and gastritis and positive results from a Phase II study for IBS-D; (iv) YELIVA (ABC294640), a first-in-class SK2 selective inhibitor, targeting multiple oncology, inflammatory and gastrointestinal indications, with an ongoing Phase IIa study for cholangiocarcinoma; (v) RHB-106, an encapsulated bowel preparation licensed to Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and (vi) RHB-107 (formerly MESUPRON), a Phase II-stage first-in-class, serine protease inhibitor, targeting cancer and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. More information about the Company is available at: www.redhillbio.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company’s research, manufacturing, preclinical studies, clinical trials, and other therapeutic candidate development efforts; (ii) the Company’s ability to advance its therapeutic candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete its preclinical studies or clinical trials; (iii) the extent and number of additional studies that the Company may be required to conduct and the Company’s receipt of regulatory approvals for its therapeutic candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings, approvals and feedback; (iv) the manufacturing, clinical development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Company’s therapeutic candidates; (v) the Company’s ability to successfully promote Donnatal and Esomeprazole Strontium Delayed-Release Capsules 49.3 mg and commercialize EnteraGam; (vi) the Company’s ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) the Company’s ability to acquire products approved for marketing in the U.S. that achieve commercial success and build its own marketing and commercialization capabilities; (viii) the interpretation of the properties and characteristics of the Company’s therapeutic candidates and the results obtained with its therapeutic candidates in research, preclinical studies or clinical trials; (ix) the implementation of the Company’s business model, strategic plans for its business and therapeutic candidates; (x) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its therapeutic candidates and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (xi) parties from whom the Company licenses its intellectual property defaulting in their obligations to the Company; (xii) estimates of the Company’s expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; (xiii) the effect of patients suffering adverse experiences using investigative drugs under the Company’s Expanded Access Program; and (xiv) competition from other companies and technologies within the Company’s industry. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on February 22, 2018. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law.

1 TALICIA (RHB-105) is an investigational new drug, not available for commercial distribution.

1 Hunt, R. H., et al. "Helicobacter pylori in developing countries." World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines (2010): 1-15.

1 Jerry Rosenblatt, Ph.D., member of RedHill’s Advisory Board and Partner at Foster Rosenblatt, RedHill Biopharma press release: RedHill Biopharma’s Investor Webcast Forum Provides Update on the RHB-105 Phase III Program and Potential H. Pylori Eradication Market, May 18, 2015.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib), administered together, for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and has a type of abnormal gene, BRAF V600E (BRAF V600E mutation-positive) (Press release, US FDA, MAY 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234526141]).

"This is the first FDA-approved treatment for patients with this aggressive form of thyroid cancer, and the third cancer with this specific gene mutation that this drug combination has been approved to treat," said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "This approval demonstrates that targeting the same molecular pathway in diverse diseases is an effective way to expedite the development of treatments that may help more patients."

Thyroid cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare, aggressive type of thyroid cancer. The National Institutes of Health estimates there will be 53,990 new cases of thyroid cancer and an estimated 2,060 deaths from the disease in the United States in 2018. Anaplastic thyroid cancer accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all thyroid cancers.

Both Tafinlar and Mekinist are also approved for use, alone or in combination, to treat BRAF V600 mutation-positive metastatic melanoma. Additionally, Tafinlar and Mekinist are approved for use, in combination, to treat BRAF V600E mutation-positive, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

The efficacy of Tafinlar and Mekinist in treating ATC was shown in an open-label clinical trial of patients with rare cancers with the BRAF V600E mutation. Data from trials in BRAF V600E mutation-positive, metastatic melanoma or lung cancer and results in other BRAF V600E mutation-positive rare cancers provided confidence in the results seen in patients with ATC. The trial measured the percent of patients with a complete or partial reduction in tumor size (overall response rate). Of 23 evaluable patients, 57 percent experienced a partial response and 4 percent experienced a complete response; in nine (64 percent) of the 14 patients with responses, there were no significant tumor growths for six months or longer.

The side effects of Tafinlar and Mekinist in patients with ATC are consistent with those seen in other cancers when the two drugs are used together. Common side effects include fever (pyrexia), rash, chills, headache, joint pain (arthralgia), cough, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia (muscle pain), dry skin, decreased appetite, edema, hemorrhage, high blood pressure (hypertension) and difficulty breathing (dyspnea).

Severe side effects of Tafinlar include the development of new cancers, growth of tumors in patients with BRAF wild-type tumors, serious bleeding problems, heart problems, severe eye problems, fever that may be severe, serious skin reactions, high blood sugar or worsening diabetes, and serious anemia.

Severe side effects of Mekinist include the development of new cancers; serious bleeding problems; inflammation of intestines and perforation of the intestines; blood clots in the arms, legs or lungs; heart problems; severe eye problems; lung or breathing problems; fever that may be severe; serious skin reactions; and high blood sugar or worsening diabetes.

Both Tafinlar and Mekinist can cause harm to a developing fetus; women should be advised of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception.

The FDA granted Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designation for this indication. Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases, was also granted for this indication.

The FDA granted this approval to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.