On October 16, 2018 Fresenius reported that it has confirms and narrows its Group guidance1 for FY/18. Group sales are expected to increase at the low end of the original 5% to 8%2 guidance range (in constant currency) (Press release, Fresenius, OCT 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234530132]). Fresenius expects net income3,4 growth at the low end of the original 6% to 9% guidance range (in constant currency). Excluding expenditures for the further development of the biosimilars business, net income3,5 growth is projected at the low end of the original ~10% to 13% guidance range (in constant currency). Narrowing the Group guidance ranges is due to updated expectations at Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios.

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Fresenius Medical Care adjusts its outlook for FY/18 as the business development in Q3/18 was below the company’s expectations. Fresenius Medical Care now expects sales growth of 2% to 3%6 in constant currency (previously: 5% to 7%6). Whilst Fresenius Kabi confirms its guidance of 4% to 7% organic sales growth, it now expects to reach the top end of this range. Fresenius Kabi sees a strong development across all product lines and regions with North America standing out. Fresenius Helios confirms and narrows its FY/18 organic sales growth outlook, and now projects growth at the low end of the original 3% to 6% range. The business development in Germany in Q3/18 was below the company’s expectations mainly due to a decline in admissions and additional catalogue effects. In line with market development in Germany, Fresenius Helios sees a trend towards outpatient treatments leading to fewer admissions in its hospitals.

On a comparable basis8, Fresenius Medical Care now expects FY/18 net income7 to increase by 11% to 12%8 in constant currency (previously: 13% to 15%8). On an adjusted basis9, Fresenius Medical Care now expects FY/18 net income7 to increase by 2% to 3%9 in constant currency (previously: 7% to 9%9). Fresenius Kabi increases its FY/18 EBIT outlook and now expects 1% to 3%10 growth in constant currency (previously: -2% to +1%10). The increase is driven by a strong development across all product lines and regions with North America standing out. FY/18 EBIT excluding expenditures for the further development of the biosimilars business is now expected to grow by ~9% to 11%11 in constant currency (previously: ~6% to 9%11). Fresenius Helios adjusts its FY/18 EBIT outlook and now expects 0% to 2% growth (previously: 5% to 8%), driven by lower sales growth in Germany. Moreover, preparatory structural activities for anticipated regulatory requirements (e.g. clustering), as well as a lack of privatization opportunities in the German market continue to weigh on earnings growth.

Fresenius Vamed confirms its outlook for FY/18 and expects organic sales growth in the range of 5% to 10% and FY/18 EBIT growth of 32% to 37%. The integration of the inpatient post-acute care business acquired from Helios Germany is fully on track.

Q3/2018 preliminary financial results

In Q3/18, Fresenius Group sales increased by ~3%12 (~4%12 in constant currency) to ~€8.2 billion (Q3/2017: €8.297 billion). Group net income3 before special items13 increased by ~8% (~8% in constant currency) to ~€445 million (Q3/2017: €413 million). Fresenius Medical Care has increased the provision for the FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) related charge by €75 million (not tax deductible). As in 2017, this charge is treated as a special item. Group net income3 before special items13 and before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business increased by ~13% (~13% in constant currency) to ~€474 million (Q3/2017: €423 million).

Fresenius will publish its detailed Q3/18 and Q1-Q3/18 financial results on October 30, 2018.

On October 16, 2018 JHL Biotech reported that the National Medical Products Administration of the PRC (NMPA) has approved JHL’s Phase I and Phase III Clinical Trial Application for a proposed bevacizumab biosimilar, JHL1149, to treat several forms of cancer, including advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic kidney cancer, advanced cervical cancer and recurrent ovarian cancer (Press release, JHL Biotech, OCT 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234530227]).

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Racho Jordanov, JHL Biotech, Co-Chairman and CEO stated, "We are very excited for our second biosimilar to be approved for clinical trials by the NMPA. This marks the second NMPA approval we have received in just four months and puts us another step closer to our vision of manufacturing biologics of the highest quality from
China for the world."

On October 16, 2018 Tiziana Life Sciences plc (AIM: TILS), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing targeted drugs for cancer and inflammatory diseases, reported that it will present results from preclinical studies demonstrating synergistic activity of milciclib with sorafenib (NexavarR) to suppress tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of HCC (Press release, Tiziana Life Sciences, OCT 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234530004]). Additional preclinical studies will be presented which also demonstrated synergism between Milciclib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Regorafenib (StivargaR) and Lenvatinib (LenvimaR). The presentation will take place at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Meetingin San Francisco on 9-11 November 2018.

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The details of the presentation are:

Poster #1543 entitled "Oral Treatment with Milciclib Either Alone or in Combination with Sorafenib Inhibited Tumor Growth in an Orthotopic Model ofHepatocellular Carcinoma"will be presented at the Poster Session III on November 11, 2018.

The data results from pre-clinic studies in mouse models which will inform future research but the information to be presented is an extension of previously announced research and does not, in the view of the Company and its directors, constitute material data requiring dissemination via a regulatory news service. According this information is being released via RNS Reach to inform interested parties of the direction and results of our continuing research activity.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DATA

· Oral treatment with milciclib (30mg/kg/day) in combination with sorafenib (20mg/kg/day) produced synergistic effect on reduction of HCC-tumor growth in an orthotopic animal model. Since, the doses of milciclib and sorafenib used were sub-optimal, it is possible that the combination treatment at sub-optimal doses may reduce the toxicities of sorafenib or other TKIs.

· While treatment with milciclib as a single agent significantly suppressed growth in cell cultures as well as in animal models, it also exhibited strong synergistic anti-HCC effects with TKIs such as sorafenib, regorafenib and lenvatinib in other pre-clinical studies

· Mechanism of action studies suggest that milciclib exhibits broad-spectrum anti-HCC activity through a different mechanism from TKIs to produce the pronounced synergism.

"We reported earlier that oral treatment with Milciclib was found to be well-tolerated and it achieved both primary and secondary clinical endpoints in two separate phase 2 trials in thymic carcinoma and thymoma. The new pre-clinical research data demonstrating synergism with TKIs is exciting and suggests the potential of Milciclib in combination with one of these approved TKIs to develop a safe and an improved treatment option for HCC patients" said Gabriele Cerrone, Chairman of Tiziana Life Sciences

The complex multi-factorial etiology of HCC warrants an immediate need for drugs with different mechanisms that may produce improved efficacy and safety. The data we have announced from the interim analysis of the ongoing phase 2a clinical study of orally administered milciclib in sorafenib-resistant patients suggests that the treatment is well-tolerated and seems to provide clinical benefits to these patients. We are pleased to see that milciclib produces strong synergistic anti-HCC activity in preclinical studies as these data are important milestones to move forward in our evaluation the potential of Milciclib in combination with one of the approved TKIs to improve safety, efficacy and clinical response rate in HCC patients" said Kunwar Shailubhai, CEO & CSO of Tiziana Life Sciences.

About Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular cancer is the 5th most common cancer and the 3rd cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In 2007 the approval by the European Medical Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of sorafenib in HCC represented the first systemic therapy for improving outcome in patients unsuitable for loco-regional and surgical therapies and created a new standard of treatment for the disease. However, although significant in respect to placebo, the benefits of sorafenib are modest; the response rate is less than 3%, the improvement in median survival is 2-3 months and the drug-related symptoms are not ordinary. Therefore, more effective systemic therapy is required for both naive patients presenting with unresectable, advanced stage and those who suffer recurrence after curative treatments (resection, ablation and transplantation).

About Milciclib

Milciclib (PHA-848125AC) is a small molecule inhibitor of several cyclin dependent kinases such as CDK1, CDK4, CDK5 and CDK7. CDKs are serine threonine kinases that play crucial roles in progression of the cell cycle from G1 to S phase. Overexpression of CDKs and other downstream signaling pathways that regulate cell cycles have been frequently found to be associated with development of resistance towards chemotherapies. In a phase I study, oral treatment with Milciclib was found to be well-tolerated and the drug showed promising clinical responses in patients with advanced solid malignancies such as in NSCLC, Pancreatic and colon cancer, thymic carcinoma and thymoma.

A phase 2a multi-centre and multi-country clinical trial (CDKO-125A-010) in sorafenib-refractory or -intolerable patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC is currently being conducted in Greece, Italy and Israel.

On October 16, 2018 OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB:OBMP) ("OncBioMune" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of a proprietary therapeutic cancer vaccine immunotherapy and targeted cancer therapies, reported the signing of a work order with leading Contract Research Organization, Theradex Oncology ("Theradex"), detailing the scope to be provided by Theradex for a clinical trial titled, "A Phase 2 Study of a PSA/IL-2/GM-CSF Vaccine for the Treatment of PSA-Recurrent Prostate Cancer in Hormone-Naïve Patients (Press release, Oncbiomune, OCT 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234530471])." The trial, expected to enroll 30 patients, is being hosted At Urology Clinics of North Texas, a ten center 40 physician practice with 12 physicians honored with inclusion in the peer-selected "The Best Doctors in America" list.

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"We’re extremely pleased to have Theradex once again working with us on the further development of ProscaVax," commented Dr. Jonathan Head, Chief Executive Officer at OncBioMune. "Theradex is highly sought after for their experience and expertise in advancing promising cancer therapies and we are fortunate to have them on board to provide oversight and the necessary documentation to move this important trial efficiently forward. We expect to treat our first patient in early December."

OncBioMune has submitted the protocol to the FDA and expects a quick review by the outside IRB. Once approved by the FDA and IRB, the clinical trial information will be submitted to clinicaltrials.gov, with the expectation that the summary of the clinical trial will soon be available for public viewing.

ProscaVax is OncBioMune’s lead immunotherapy platform candidate consisting of a combination of prostate cancer associated prostate specific antigen (PSA) with the biological adjuvants interleukin-2 (IL-2) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

Per the Phase 2 study protocol, patients to be enrolled will be in "biochemical progression," a disease state with few management options. The goal of treating the recurrent prostate cancer patients with ProscaVax is to inhibit the progression of the disease and prevent or delay treatment with more toxic therapies.

About Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men other than skin cancer, with about 1 in 9 men diagnosed during their lifetime. ACS estimates that about 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed during 2018 and approximately 29,430 men will die from the disease this year. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, trailing only lung cancer. Approximately 2.9 million men are living with prostate cancer today. The average age of diagnosis is 66, with the disease considered rare in men under the age of 40.

On October 16, 2018 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported sales of $20.3 billion for the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 3.6% as compared to the third quarter of 2017 (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, OCT 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234529991]).

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Operational sales results increased 5.5%, partially offset by the negative impact of currency of 1.9%. Domestic sales increased 3.6%. International sales increased 3.5%, reflecting operational growth of 7.5% and a negative currency impact of 4.0%. Excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, on an operational basis, worldwide sales increased 6.1%, domestic sales increased 3.9% and international sales increased 8.5%.*

Net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2018 were $3.9 billion and $1.44, respectively. Third-quarter 2018 net earnings included after-tax intangible amortization expense of approximately $1.0 billion and a net charge for after-tax special items of approximately $0.7 billion, primarily consisting of a non-cash charge attributed to a partial write-down of an in-process research and development asset associated with the acquisition of Alios BioPharma Inc. Third-quarter 2017 net earnings included after-tax intangible amortization expense of approximately $0.9 billion and a charge for after-tax special items of approximately $0.5 billion. Excluding after-tax intangible amortization expense and special items, adjusted net earnings for the current quarter were $5.6 billion and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.05, representing increases of 7.3% and 7.9%, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017.* On an operational basis, adjusted diluted earnings per share also increased 9.5%.* A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures is included as an accompanying schedule.

"We are pleased with our strong third-quarter performance, which reflects continued above-market growth in our Pharmaceutical business, accelerating sales momentum in our Consumer business and consistent progress in our Medical Devices business," said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "I’m confident that with our collaborative and inspired J&J colleagues around the world, unique broad-based business model and strategic investments in innovation, we are well positioned for success today and into the future."

The Company issued sales guidance for the full-year 2018 in a range of $81.0 to $81.4 billion. This reflects an increase in expected operational growth to a range of 5.5% to 6.0%, partially offset by the estimated lower favorable impact of currency. Additionally, the Company increased its adjusted earnings guidance for full-year 2018 to a range of $8.13 to $8.18 per share. This reflects an increase in expected operational EPS growth to a range of 9.3% to 10.0%.

Segment Sales Performance
Worldwide Consumer sales of $3.4 billion for the third quarter 2018 represented an increase of 1.8% versus the prior year, consisting of an operational increase of 4.9% and a negative impact from currency of 3.1%. Domestic sales increased 6.6%, while international sales decreased 1.3%, which reflected an operational increase of 3.7% and a negative currency impact of 5.0%. Excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, on an operational basis, worldwide sales increased 6.1%, with domestic sales increasing 6.4% and international sales increasing 5.9%.*

Worldwide operational results, excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, were driven by over-the-counter products including MOTRIN and TYLENOL analgesics, ZYRTEC upper respiratory and IMODIUM digestive health products; beauty products including NEUTROGENA, OGX and DR. CI LABO; as well as domestic sales of JOHNSON’s baby care products.

During the quarter, the acquisition of Zarbee’s, Inc., a leader in naturally-based healthcare products, was completed.

Worldwide Pharmaceutical sales of $10.3 billion for the third quarter 2018 represented an increase of 6.7% versus the prior year with an operational increase of 8.2% and a negative impact from currency of 1.5%. Domestic sales increased 4.8%, international sales increased 9.5%, which reflected an operational increase of 13.2% and a negative currency impact of 3.7%. Acquisitions and divestitures had a negligible impact to sales growth in the quarter.

Worldwide operational results, excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, were driven by ZYTIGA (abiraterone acetate), an oral, once-daily medication for use in combination with prednisone for the treatment of metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer, IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib), an oral, once-daily therapy approved for use in treating certain B-cell malignancies, a type of blood or lymph node cancer, STELARA (ustekinumab), a biologic for the treatment of a number of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, DARZALEX (daratumumab), for the treatment of multiple myeloma, TREMFYA (guselkumab), for the treatment of adults living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, INVEGA SUSTENNA/XEPLION/INVEGA TRINZA/TREVICTA (paliperidone palmitate), long-acting, injectable atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, SIMPONI/SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab), a biologic for the treatment of a number of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, OPSUMIT (macitentan), an oral endothelin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension to delay disease progression, and UPTRAVI (selexipag), an oral prostacyclin receptor agonist used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and reduce hospitalization.

During the quarter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an additional indication for IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) in combination with rituximab as a non-chemotherapy combination regimen for patients with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia, a rare blood cancer. The European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for DARZALEX (daratumumab) in combination with VELCADE (bortezomib), a proteasome inhibitor, melphalan, an alkylating agent, and prednisone for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. In addition, the FDA approved and the EC granted marketing authorization for SYMTUZA (D/C/F/TAF), a complete darunavir-based single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

A New Drug Application was submitted to the FDA for esketamine nasal spray, a rapidly acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression in adults and erdafitinib, a once-daily, oral pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. A supplemental New Drug Application was submitted to the FDA seeking to broaden the use of IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma to include combination use with a non-chemotherapy agent, obinutuzumab, in the frontline setting. A Type II Variation was submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking to expand the indication of OPSUMIT (macitentan) to include the treatment of adults with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), WHO Group 4, to improve exercise capacity and pulmonary vascular resistance. In addition, the Company also submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA and a Type II Variation to the EMA seeking approval of a split dosing regimen for DARZALEX (daratumumab).

Subsequent to the quarter, the FDA approved an additional indication for XARELTO (rivaroxaban) to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events, such as CV death, myocardial infarction and stroke, in people with chronic coronary or peripheral artery disease. Additionally, a Marketing Authorization Application was submitted to the EMA for esketamine nasal spray, a rapidly acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression in adults. The Company also entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop and commercialize a new treatment for chronic Hepatitis B viral infection.

Worldwide Medical Devices sales of $6.6 billion for the third quarter 2018 represented a decrease of 0.2% versus the prior year consisting of an operational increase of 1.7% and a negative currency impact of 1.9%. Domestic sales increased 0.3%, while international sales decreased 0.6%, which reflected an operational increase of 3.0% and a negative currency impact of 3.6%. Excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, on an operational basis, worldwide sales increased 2.9%, domestic sales increased 1.2% and international sales increased 4.4%.*

Worldwide operational results, excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, were driven by the growth of electrophysiology products in the Interventional Solutions business; ACUVUE contact lenses in the Vision business; endocutters and biosurgicals in the Advanced Surgery business; and wound closure products in the General Surgery business, partially offset by declines in the Diabetes Care business.

During the quarter, the Company received European CE mark approval for its BRAVO Flow Diverter for use in the treatment of patients suffering from intracranial aneurysms. In addition, the acquisition of Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH, a privately held manufacturer of 3D-printed titanium interbody implants for spinal fusion surgery, was completed. Lastly, the Company accepted the binding offer from Fortive Corporation to acquire its Advanced Sterilization Products business for an aggregate value of approximately $2.8 billion, subject to customary adjustments.

Subsequent to the quarter, the Company announced the completion of the divestiture of its LifeScan business to Platinum Equity for approximately $2.1 billion, subject to customary adjustments.