On May 3, 2016 Array BioPharma Inc. (NASDAQ: ARRY), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted small molecule cancer therapies, reported results for its fiscal year third quarter ending March 31, 2016 and provided an update on the progress of its key clinical development programs (Press release, Array BioPharma, MAY 3, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2164230 [SID:1234511799]).
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"We have a number of near-term value-drivers, highlighted by our planned NDA submission for binimetinib based on results from our Phase 3 trial in NRAS-mutant melanoma patients (NEMO)," said Ron Squarer, Array’s Chief Executive Officer. "At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), we will present full results from the NEMO trial, as well as provide an update on our Phase 2 study of encorafenib plus cetuximab in BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer patients. Later this summer, we plan to share top-line results from COLUMBUS, our Phase 3 trial of binimetinib and encorafenib in BRAF melanoma patients. We also expect results from SELECT-1, a study of selumetinib in second line KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients. Given our estimated cash runway, a series of strong partnerships and continued Novartis funding of ongoing binimetinib and encorafenib trials, we are well positioned to execute on our long-term strategy."
KEY PIPELINE UPDATES
Binimetinib (MEK162) and encorafenib (LGX818)
Novartis Agreement
Novartis continues to conduct and/or substantially fund all ongoing trials with binimetinib and encorafenib through their completion, including the NEMO and COLUMBUS trials. Reimbursement revenue from Novartis was approximately $74 million for the previous 9 months, of which $64 million was recorded over the past two quarters.
NEMO: Global Phase 3 trial of binimetinib versus dacarbazine in NRAS-mutant melanoma patients
Based on the results of the NEMO trial, Array plans to submit an NDA during the first half of 2016. Results from NEMO will be presented at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) conference (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), and will include progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), safety and pre-specified sub-group analyses, including outcomes in patients who received prior treatment with immunotherapy.
Activating NRAS mutations are present in approximately 20% of patients with metastatic melanoma, and has been a poor prognostic indicator for these patients. Treatment options for this population remain limited beyond immunotherapy (PD-1, CTLA4), therefore binimetinib could represent an important additional therapy for these patients.
COLUMBUS: Global Phase 3 trial of binimetinib plus encorafenib versus vemurafenib in BRAF-mutant melanoma patients
As part of Array’s standard data cleaning protocol, it was recently learned that additional PFS events need to be observed prior to database lock and final analysis, a process previously expected to be complete by the end of June. Array now projects COLUMBUS top-line results availability during the third quarter of 2016.
Activating BRAF mutations are present in approximately 50% of patients with metastatic melanoma. In two separate Phase 1/2 trials in this patient population, binimetinib plus encorafenib demonstrated encouraging clinical activity and an attractive tolerability profile, including low incidence of pyrexia, and little to no incidence of rash or photosensitivity. Patients treated in two Phase 3 trials of dabrafenib plus trametinib (COMBI-d and COMBI-v) experienced greater than 50% incidence of pyrexia (fever), while in a large, randomized trial of vemurafenib and cobimetinib (coBRIM) nearly 50% of patients experienced photosensitivity reactions. Of the patients who experienced pyrexia on COMBI-d and COMBI-v, one-third to one-half reported three or more events, and at least half required dose modifications including interruptions, reductions, or discontinuation as a result of their pyrexia. Of the patients who experienced photosensitivity on coBRIM, the median duration of photosensitivity was three months, duration was as long as 14 months for some patients. Only 63% of patients with photosensitivity reactions experienced resolution while on study.
BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer
Array’s updated results, including PFS and OS, from its Phase 2 combination trial with encorafenib in patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer (BRAF CRC) will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2016. Based on the strength of existing Phase 2 combination data, Array plans to initiate a Phase 3 global registration trial in this patient population later this year.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States, with approximately 134,000 new cases and nearly 50,000 deaths from the disease projected in 2016. BRAF mutations occur in up to 20% percent of patients with colorectal cancer and represents a poor prognosis for these patients. Historical published PFS and OS results after first line range from 1.8 to 2.5 months and 4.7 to 5.9 months, respectively. In addition, historical published response rates from various studies for EGFR-based therapy in this population range from 6% to 8%. Array’s data shared at the 2015 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper)’s World Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancer (ESMO GI) compare favorably both to currently available therapies for BRAF CRC patients, and to other recently published investigational approaches in this population. The combination of encorafenib and cetuximab has demonstrated a well-tolerated safety profile with most treatment related adverse events being grade 1 or 2 and few grade 3 or 4 adverse events.
ARRY-797 (ARRY-371797)
Phase 2 trial on-going in patients with LMNA A/C-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Array is conducting a 12-patient Phase 2 study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ARRY-797 in patients with LMNA A/C-related DCM, a serious, genetic cardiovascular disease. Results will be presented at the European Society of Cardiology on August 30, 2016. By age 45, approximately 70% of patients with LMNA A/C-related DCM will have died, suffered a major cardiac event, or will have undergone a heart transplant. Data on the primary endpoint of mean change in six-minute walk test (6MWT) at 12 weeks relative to baseline exceeds benchmarks set by a number of drugs for rare diseases recently approved on the basis of the 6MWT as a primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints in the ARRY-797 trial, including changes in N-Terminal pro-Brain-derived Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP, a serum biomarker of heart failure severity), and patient reported outcomes, are directionally consistent with the primary endpoint. Data for patients followed through 48 weeks suggest a durable effect. Taken together, the data to date suggest a path forward for this program, and Array has met with regulators to discuss the design of a study that could be the basis for marketing approval.
Selumetinib (partnered with AstraZeneca)
Registration trials advancing in NSCLC (SELECT-1), thyroid cancer (ASTRA) and neurofibromatosis type 1
AstraZeneca continues to advance selumetinib in three registration trials: SELECT-1 in patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a registration trial in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and ASTRA in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. AstraZeneca expects top-line results from SELECT-1 in the second half of 2016 and projects a regulatory filing of selumetinib in NSCLC in the first half of 2017.
SELECT-1 is a 500-patient randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of selumetinib plus docetaxel as a second line therapy in locally advanced or metastatic KRAS-mutant NSCLC. KRAS mutations are amongst the most common mutations in NSCLC, present in approximately a quarter of these patients. The study is designed to evaluate PFS as the primary endpoint and a key secondary endpoint is OS. AstraZeneca’s decision to progress selumetinib to Phase 3 in NSCLC followed the results from a randomized Phase 2 study evaluating the combination of selumetinib with docetaxel against docetaxel alone in KRAS-mutation positive NSCLC. This study demonstrated response rates of 37.2% vs 0% (p<0.0001), and a statistically significant improvement in PFS of 5.3 vs 2.1 months (HR 0.58, p<0.014).
ARRY-954 / Select Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor for pain and inflammation
Asia-Focused Strategic Collaboration with Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation; Array retains the right for all compounds for all indications outside of Asia
In March 2016, Array announced a strategic collaboration with Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation to develop and commercialize select preclinical TrkA inhibitors, including Array-invented ARRY-954, for pain, inflammation and other non-cancer indications. Under the terms of the agreement, Array retains the right for all compounds for all indications outside of Asia. Within Asia, Array retains the right to cancer indications for all compounds, excluding those compounds being developed by Asahi Kasei Pharma, including ARRY-954. Asahi Kasei Pharma will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize products in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China for pain, inflammation and other non-cancer indications. Array received an upfront payment of $12 million, is entitled to receive up to $64 million if certain development and commercialization milestones are achieved, and is eligible for up to double-digit royalties. Activation of the TrkA pathway by Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many difficult to treat human pain conditions such as osteoarthritis pain, chronic low back pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cancer pain and interstitial cystitis.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities were approximately $118 million and accounts receivable was approximately $63 million at the end of the quarter. Accounts receivable primarily consist of receivables expected to be paid by Novartis within three months and the $12.0 million up-front fee from Asahi Kasei Pharma, which was received in April 2016. In March 2015, binimetinib and encorafenib became wholly-owned assets of Array, which prompted changes to the classification of revenue and expenses for the programs. The new expense classifications were included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 financial results. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, Array reports revenue from Novartis reimbursements under its agreements with Novartis for binimetinib and encorfenib as a separate line item called "reimbursement revenue." The net earnings (or loss) per share described below are diluted net earnings (or loss) per share.
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2016 (Sequential Quarters Comparison)
Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $43.0 million, compared to $35.4 million for the prior sequential quarter. The $7.6 million increase in revenue was primarily due to higher reimbursement revenue from Novartis. Cost of partnered programs for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $5.8 million, compared to $5.7 million for the prior quarter. Research and development expense was $48.8 million, compared to $41.4 million in the prior quarter. The increase in research and development expense is primarily related to the ongoing transition of binimetinib and encorafenib trials from Novartis to Array. Net loss for the third quarter was $22.7 million, or ($0.16) per share, and was $24.2 million, or ($0.17) per share in the prior quarter.
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 (Prior Year Comparison)
Compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2015, revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased by $36.4 million, primarily due to $36.9 million in reimbursement revenue from Novartis. Cost of partnered programs decreased by $6.3 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily due to binimetinib development costs being presented as research and development expense instead of cost of partnered programs upon becoming wholly-owned programs. Research and development expense increased by $37.0 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 due to the categorization of binimetinib costs, as well as new spending on encorafenib. Net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $22.7 million, or ($0.16) per share, and was net income of $58.3 million, or $0.37 net income per share, for the same quarter in fiscal 2015.
Nine Months of Fiscal 2016 Compared to Nine Months of Fiscal 2015 (Prior Year Comparison)
For the nine months ended March 31, 2016, revenue was $94.7 million, compared to $39.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2015. Net loss for the nine months ended March 31, 2016, was $67.8 million, or ($0.47) per share, compared to a net income of $22.1 million, or $0.16 per share, in the comparable prior year period. The third quarter of fiscal 2015 included a one-time $80.0 million net gain on the binimetinib and encorafenib agreements. Cash outflows for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was $62 million.