On August 9, 2018 Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUPH / TSX:AUP) ("Aurinia" or the "Company")reported that it has released its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528597]). Amounts, unless specified otherwise, are expressed in U.S. dollars.

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"We are excited to announce that the AURORA Phase III trial in lupus nephritis is running ahead of schedule and we now anticipate completing enrollment in early Q4 2018. We are extremely pleased with the trial’s progress thus far and having patients roll over into the AURORA 2 extension study reinforces our confidence in the program", said Richard Glickman, Aurinia’s CEO and Chairman of the Board. "Our clinical team continues to deliver on our important milestones with the Phase II trials in FSGS and Dry Eye now initiated. We are well-capitalized into 2020 and look forward to an eventful second half of the year."

Highlights

Our Phase III clinical trial ("AURORA") to evaluate voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis ("LN"), which we initiated in May of 2017, is now expected to complete enrollment in early Q4 2018. We have over 225 clinical trial sites activated and able to enroll patients in 29 countries around the globe.
The first patients have rolled over into the AURORA 2 blinded extension study from the AURORA Phase III clinical trial. The purpose of AURORA 2 is to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of voclosporin in patients with LN; however, this study is not a requirement for potential regulatory approval for voclosporin.
We initiated a Phase II proof-of-concept study in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis ("FSGS") in June 2018. This is an open-label study of 20 treatment naïve patients. We submitted our Investigational New Drug application ("IND") to the FDA in Q1 2018 and received agreement from the FDA with regards to the guidance we provided on this study.
We also initiated a Phase II head-to-head tolerability study of voclosporin ophthalmic solution ("VOS") versus Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% for the treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome ("DES") in July 2018. Depending on the pace of recruitment, data could be available as early as the end of this year or early 2019. This four-week study of approximately 90 patients is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. We believe calcineurin inhibitors ("CNIs") are a mainstay of treatment for DES, and the goal of this program is to develop a best-in-class treatment option, and upon completion, we will look to evaluate strategic alternatives for this asset.
Financial Liquidity at June 30, 2018

At June 30, 2018, we had cash, cash equivalents and short term investments of $150.2 million compared to $159.1 million at March 31, 2018 and $173.5 million at December 31, 2017. Net cash used in operating activities was $12.3 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 compared to $14.0 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

We believe, based on our current plans, that we have sufficient financial resources to fund our existing LN program, including the AURORA trial and the NDA submission to the FDA, conduct the Phase II trials for FSGS and DES, and fund operations into 2020.

Financial Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

We reported a consolidated net loss of $15.7 million or $0.19 per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to a consolidated net loss of $2.4 million or $0.03 per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

The increase in the loss for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to the non-cash change in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities of $9.4 million. The three months ended June 30, 2018 reflected a $1.9 million increase in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities compared to a reduction of $7.5 million in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The change in the revaluation of the derivative warrant liabilities is primarily driven by the change in our share price at each period end. An increase in our share price results in an increase in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities and vice versa. The derivative warrant liabilities will ultimately be eliminated on the exercise or forfeiture of the warrants and will not result in any cash outlay by the Company.

The net loss before the non-cash change in estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities was $13.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2017 with the increased loss amount primarily reflecting higher research and development expenses.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the consolidated net loss was $31.2 million or $0.37 per common share compared to a consolidated net loss of $54.3 million or $0.78 per common share for the comparable period in 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 we recorded an increase of $4.6 million in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities compared to $33.3 million for the comparable period in 2017.

The net loss before the non-cash change in estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities was $26.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $21.1 million for the same period in 2017. The increased loss reflected higher research and development expenses.

Research and development expenses increased to $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. We incurred research and development expenses of $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $14.4 million for the same period in 2017. The increased research and development expenses reflected higher AURORA clinical and drug supply costs as well as startup costs for the AURORA 2 extension study, and the FSGS and DES studies.

Corporate, administration and business development expenses increased to $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2017. We incurred corporate, administration and business development expenses of $7.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $6.3 million for the comparable period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher non-cash stock compensation expense in 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017.

On August 9, 2018 Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN), an immuno-oncology (I-O) company with a pipeline of immune checkpoint antibodies, cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapies1, reported financial results for the second quarter of 2018 (Press release, Agenus, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528647]).

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"Innovation and speed are core to our strategy. We have delivered eight new discoveries over the past 2 years. This year alone, 3 INDs from our discovery engines have been filed and 3 additional INDs will be filed by year end; they include our NexGen CTLA-4 and our first-in-class bispecifics. We have delivered on our partnership commitments with Merck and Incyte with 2 programs in the clinic this year and a third expected before the end of the year, each triggering a cash milestone," said Garo H. Armen, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Agenus. "In addition, our proprietary CTLA-4 and PD-1 programs are advancing in three trials designed to take advantage of accelerated pathways for a BLA filing as early as 2020. Our partnership discussions have advanced towards potential closure. With these developments, we expect to deliver value to our shareholders and partners."

Key clinical and business updates

Operational Achievements:
New discoveries advance to clinic
Three INDs filed and 3 more to be filed by the end of 2018, including Next-Gen CTLA-4 and two first-in-class bispecifics
Lead CTLA-4 (AGEN1884) & PD-1 (AGEN2034) trials advance towards BLA as early as 2020
ASCO reported data show 31-42% benefit
New data in 2018 anticipated to show expanded benefit
Three trials ongoing designed to leverage accelerated pathways
Payment milestones triggered in partnerships with Incyte, Merck
LAG-3 (INCAGN02385) in the clinic
TIM-3 (INCAGN02390) expected to enter clinic in 2018
Undisclosed target with Merck entered clinic
Sales of GSK’s Shingrix, containing QS-21 Stimulon, have exceeded projections
Manufacturing Speed and Innovation:
Completed clinical & pivotal grade material for AGEN1884 & AGEN2034 3-5x faster than industry standards
First-in-class bispecific, AGEN1223, manufactured at scale in <2 months; setting industry records
AgenTus Cell Therapy Business:
Lead identified for IND filing; private financing and plans for IPO underway
Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Cash and cash equivalents were $43.2 million and $60.2 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 respectively.

For the second quarter ended June 30, 2018, we reported a net loss of $25.2 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to a net loss for same period in 2017 of $31.7 million, or $0.32 per share. We recognized revenue during the current quarter of $16 million which includes milestone achievements and non-cash royalties earned.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, we reported a net loss of $79.5 million or $0.76 per share compared to a net loss for the same period in 2017 of $48.8 million or $0.51 per share. The increased net loss reflects reduced revenue due to an accelerated milestone received during 2017 from Incyte and the loss on early extinguishment of debt.

Conference Call, Webcast and Prepared Statement Information

Agenus executives will host a conference call on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the live call, dial (844) 492-3727 (domestic) and (412) 317-5118 (international). Ask to be joined into the Agenus call. The call will also be webcast and will be accessible from the Company’s website at View Source or via the following link: View Source A replay will be available on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the call and will remain available for 90 days.

On August 9, 2018 Savara Inc. (NASDAQ: SVRA), an orphan lung disease company, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 and provided a business update (Press release, Savara, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528711]).

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"We have had an incredibly eventful and productive quarter," said Rob Neville, chief executive officer of Savara. "With two product candidates approaching pivotal data reads and our exploratory NTM program well underway, we believe we are heading into the most exciting twelve months in Savara’s history. Furthermore, the recent acquisition of the assets of Cardeas Pharma Corporation underlines our commitment to our vision to build a prominent orphan lung disease company. With the closing of our recent public offering, we have initiated preparations for Molgradex commercial launch for aPAP, as well as for a new clinical study in CF-affected individuals with chronic NTM infection, and will support our exploratory pipeline."

Upcoming Milestones and Recent Developments

Anticipating completion of enrollment in the Molgradex Phase 3 IMPALA study in Q3 2018. The IMPALA study is evaluating our inhaled formulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or GM-CSF, for the treatment of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, or aPAP. At the end of Q2, enrollment was at 106 patients out of a total target of 135 patients, with completion of enrollment currently on track for Q3 2018 and topline data anticipated in Q2 2019.

Encouraging patient enrollment in the Molgradex IMPALA-X safety extension study. The IMPALA-X study is an open-label, multicenter study designed to determine the long-term safety and utilization of Molgradex in patients with aPAP. IMPALA-X offers patients the opportunity to continue treatment with Molgradex for up to three years after completion of the pivotal Phase 3 IMPALA study. Of the 14 subjects eligible to enroll into IMPALA-X at the end of Q2, 12 have enrolled to date, while the remaining 2 subjects are expected to enroll shortly.

Anticipating completion of enrollment in the Molgradex Phase 2a OPTIMA study in Q3 2018. The OPTIMA study is evaluating our inhaled GM-CSF for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infection. At the end of Q2, enrollment was at 17 patients out of a total target of 30 patients, and completion of enrollment remains on track for Q3 2018. Interim results are anticipated in Q4 2018, and topline data anticipated in Q2 2019.

Anticipating completion of enrollment in the AeroVanc Phase 3 AVAIL study in Q1 2019. The AVAIL study is evaluating our vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder for the treatment of persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infection in individuals affected by cystic fibrosis. At the end of Q2, enrollment was at 107 patients out of a total target of 200 patients, with completion of enrollment currently on track for Q1 2019 and topline data anticipated in H2 2019.

Provided positive update on the development and commercialization of Molgradex. Savara has received positive investigator feedback on treatment with Molgradex in the open label portion of the IMPALA study, as well as a high interest in participation in the IMPALA-X study. The Company believes the high enrollment rates into the IMPALA-X study gives important insight into the level of satisfaction with Molgradex. Driven by its confidence in the outcome of the IMPALA study, Savara will expedite its preparation for potential commercial launch with investments into core commercial leadership and staff, as well as external activities required for a successful launch. Assuming robust results from the IMPALA study and subsequent breakthrough and/or fast track designation, submission of the Molgradex Biologic License Application, or BLA, is anticipated in the first half of 2020, with a resultant commercial launch in late 2020 or early 2021.

Announced expansion of the Molgradex program, with a Phase 2a clinical study in the U.S. in CF-affected individuals with chronic NTM lung infection expected to begin in Q1 2019. Savara is preparing to initiate a new open-label study in the U.S., which will enroll 30 subjects with chronic Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) or Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. The study will comprise a 48-week treatment period and a 24-week follow-up period. The primary endpoint in the study will be NTM sputum culture conversion to negative.

Launched exploratory product pipeline, announced the acquisition of the assets of Cardeas Pharma Corporation and the appointment of A. Bruce Montgomery, M.D., as strategic advisor. As part of Savara’s commitment to growth through innovation and acquisition, the Company launched its exploratory pipeline, focused on pre-proof-of-concept, high-potential programs in difficult-to-treat lung diseases, and announced the acquisition of Cardeas Pharma’s Phase 2 ready aerosolized amikacin/fosfomycin, a proprietary combination antibiotic. In connection with the acquisition, Savara appointed Dr. A. Bruce Montgomery, a leading pioneer in the field of inhaled antibiotics and other orphan lung disease products, as strategic advisor.

Successfully closed a public offering with gross proceeds of approximately $48.9 million. The offering was led largely by existing shareholders along with new institutional healthcare investors. The proceeds of the offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including helping to fund commercial preparatory efforts for Molgradex in aPAP, launching a new clinical study in CF-affected individuals with chronic NTM infection, and supporting Savara’s exploratory pipeline.
Second Quarter Financial Results

Savara’s net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $11.6 million, or $(0.38) per share, compared with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $12.5 million, or $(0.90) per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Research and development expenses were $9.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared with $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was due to several factors, including $2.3 million in additional expenses associated with the AeroVanc Phase 3 study activities; $1.8 million in development costs of Molgradex, including the expansion of the aPAP study in the U.S. and costs associated with the Phase 2 NTM study; and $1 million in expense related to the acquisition of assets from Cardeas.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $2.5 million, compared with $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded a $1.9 million change in fair value of the contingent consideration associated with its acquisition of Serendex compared to only $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company incurred $1.7 million in expense associated with its merger transaction with Mast Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Merger") in April 2017, none of which was incurred in the second quarter of 2018. In the second quarter of 2018, Savara incurred approximately $0.9 million in additional costs related to personnel and other expenditures associated with public company requirements and activities. Other expense decreased by $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was primarily due to the second quarter of 2017 having $1.8 million of expense associated with the extinguishment of certain pre-Merger convertible promissory notes.

As of June 30, 2018, Savara had a debt balance of approximately $15.0 million and had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of approximately $74.8 million.

Conference Call and Webcast
Savara will hold a conference call today beginning at 5:30pm Eastern Time / 4:30pm Central Time to provide a business update. Shareholders and other interested parties may access the conference call by dialing (855) 239-3120 from the U.S., (855) 669-9657 from Canada, and (412) 542-4127 from elsewhere outside the U.S. and request the Savara Inc. call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available online in the Investors section of Savara’s website at View Source Replays of the webcast will be available on Savara’s website for 30 days and a telephone replay will be available through August 16, 2018 by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the U.S., (855) 669-9658 from Canada, and (412) 317-0088 from elsewhere outside the U.S. and entering replay access code 10122221.

On August 9, 2018 Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYCC, NASDAQ: CYCCP; "Cyclacel" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines based on cancer biology, reported financial results and business highlights for the second quarter 2018 (Press release, Cyclacel, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528821]).

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The Company’s net loss applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.9 million. As of June 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $19.8 million.

"Phase 1 data presented for CYC065, our lead CDK inhibitor, at the recent American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting highlighted CYC065’s potential for durable suppression of Mcl-1, a protein that enables cancer cells to survive," said Spiro Rombotis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyclacel." The oral presentation provided proof of the drug’s mechanism in patients with advanced solid tumors. Durable suppression of Mcl-1 for at least 24 hours was demonstrated in 11 of 13 patients after a single dose of CYC065 at the recommended Phase 2 level. Suppression of the Mcl-1 mediated survival pathway leads to rapid induction of apoptosis in Mcl-1 dependent cancer cells. CYC065’s mechanism has also been shown to reverse drug resistance associated with the addiction of cancer cells to cyclin E, a partner protein of CDK2. In furtherance of these findings, we will shortly initiate a CYC065 study in combination with venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL. We are also planning additional studies in advanced leukemias. During the quarter, we also achieved an important objective with the FDA’s clearance of the IND for CYC140, an internally-discovered, novel inhibitor of Polo-like-kinase 1, or PLK1."

Key Company Highlights

·Patient enrollment continues for part 2 of the CYC065 monotherapy Phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors. Part 2 is evaluating an increased dosing frequency of 2 days per week for 2 weeks of a three-week cycle. Part 2 will also look to evaluate the efficacy of CYC065 in Mcl-1, MYC or cyclin E amplified cancers through the monitoring of select biomarkers relevant to CYC065’s mechanism of action.

·Cyclacel continues to prepare for initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating CYC065 in combination with venetoclax, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. A poster presented at the 2018 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) highlighted preclinical data supporting the enhanced effect of combination therapy with CYC065 and venetoclax in CLL tumor samples, including those with 17p deletions. A CYC065-venetoclax combination regimen was active in two CLL samples resistant to either agent alone supporting the hypothesis that dual targeting of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 dependent mechanisms could induce synergistic cell death.

·Patient enrollment continues for part 3 of the Phase 1 combination study evaluating sapacitabine and seliciclib (Cyclacel’s first-generation CDK inhibitor) in patients with advanced cancer, including BRCA positive breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer patients. The objective of part 3 of the study is to test a revised dosing schedule to evaluate safety and initial efficacy.

·Cyclacel has submitted briefing documents and scheduled meetings with certain European regulatory authorities with the objective of determining a potential regulatory pathway for sapacitabine in elderly AML. The Company believes that the subgroup findings from the Phase 3 SEAMLESS study have defined a patient population for whom the sapacitabine regimen may represent an improvement over low intensity treatment by decitabine alone.

·The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for CYC140, the Company’s internally-discovered, novel inhibitor of Polo-like-kinase 1, or PLK1. A first-in-human Phase 1 study is being planned.

Key Upcoming Business Objectives

·Initiate Phase 1b clinical trial evaluating CYC065 in combination with venetoclax in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL;

·Start enrollment in a Phase 1b/2 IST of sapacitabine and an approved PARP inhibitor combination treatment in patients with BRCA mutant breast cancer;

·Initiate CYC065 Phase 1b in advanced leukemias;

·Provide a clinical update from part 2 of the Phase 1 study evaluating CYC065 monotherapy in patients with advanced cancers;

·Conduct EU regulatory authority meetings regarding the SEAMLESS study of sapacitabine in elderly AML;

·Initiate Phase 1 trial evaluating CYC140, a PLK1 inhibitor; and

·Provide clinical update and complete enrollment of part 3 of the Phase 1 study of the sapacitabine and seliciclib combination in BRCA positive, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer patients.

Financial Highlights

As of June 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $19.8 million, compared to $23.9 million as of December 31, 2017. The decrease of $4.1 million was primarily due to net cash used in operating activities.

Research and development expenses were $1.2 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

General and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Other income, net for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $0.1 million compared to $34,000 for the same period of the previous year.

The United Kingdom research and tax credits were $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2017.

Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.9 million compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2017.

Conference call information:

US/Canada call: (877) 493-9121 / international call: (973) 582-2750

US/Canada archive: (800) 585-8367 / international archive: (404) 537-3406

Code for live and archived conference call is 4689089

For the live and archived webcast, please visit the Corporate Presentations page on the Cyclacel website at www.cyclacel.com. The webcast will be archived for 90 days and the audio replay for 7 days.

On August 9, 2018 Turnstone Biologics, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing the next generation of oncolytic viral therapies, reported its presentation at the upcoming investor conference (Press release, Turnstone Biologics, AUG 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234528598]):

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2018 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
Presenter: Sammy Farah, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer