Lilly to Participate in Cowen Health Care Conference

On February 20, 2018 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that it will participate in the Cowen and Company 38th Annual Health Care Conference on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 (Press release, Eli Lilly, FEB 20, 2018, View Source [SID1234524067]). Sue Mahony, Ph.D., senior vice president and president of Lilly Oncology and Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of global development and medical affairs for Lilly Oncology will participate in a fireside chat at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time.

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A live audio webcast will be available on the "Webcasts & Presentations" section of Lilly’s Investor website at View Source A replay of the presentation will be available on this same website for approximately 90 days.

HALOZYME REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2017 RESULTS

On February 20, 2018 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO), a biotechnology company developing novel oncology and drug-delivery therapies, today reported financial results and recent highlights for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2017 (Press release, Halozyme, FEB 20, 2018, View Source [SID1234524069]).

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"Building on a truly transformative year in 2017, we begin 2018 executing against a strong portfolio of new ENHANZE collaborations," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "With Janssen now studying Darzalex SC in four Phase 3 trials, Roche recently initiating a Phase 1 study with ENHANZE and multiple targets projected to enter the clinic in the coming quarters, we have good line of sight to our goal of having six targets in clinical development by year-end, doubling the number of targets in the clinic from 2017.

"In our oncology pillar, we continue to project achieving the target number of progression-free survival events in HALO-301 late in the fourth quarter of 2018. In addition, we are making good progress in our exploration of the pan-tumor potential of PEGPH20 and look forward to sharing response-rate data from our combination studies with Halaven and potentially with Keytruda in the second half of the year. We begin 2018 in a strong position with multiple value-generating opportunities ahead for patients, the company and for shareholders."

Fourth Quarter 2017 and Recent Highlights include:


Janssen expanding its development program for the subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX (daratumumab) with six planned and ongoing clinical studies. Halozyme’s ENHANZE technology has the potential to enable a 15-ml injection to be delivered in five minutes or less. The ongoing or planned trials in patients with Amyloidosis, Smoldering Myeloma and Multiple Myeloma include four Phase 3 studies, one Phase 2 study and one Phase 1 study.


Roche initiating a Phase 1 study of an undisclosed target with Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug-delivery technology.


Alexion announcing plans to initiate a Phase 1 trial in 2018 to study a next-generation subcutaneous formulation of ALXN1210 (ALXN1210 SC) with ENHANZE.


Baxalta and Roche achieving commercial milestones for products using ENHANZE triggering $5 million and $7 million in respective milestone payments.


Continued progress screening and enrolling patients in the HALO-301 study of PEGPH20 in combination with ABRAXANE (nab-paclitaxel) and gemcitabine in first-line metastatic pancreas cancer patients with high levels of tumor hyaluronan (HA-High). An interim analysis will be conducted for the first primary endpoint of progression-free survival when the target number of events has been reached, which the company continues to project will be in late Q4.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Financial Highlights


Revenue for the fourth quarter was $189.6 million compared to $39 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. The year-over-year increase was driven by $101.4 million recognized upon the effective date of the BMS collaboration, a $15 million milestone payment from Janssen, a $40 million upfront payment from Alexion and growth in royalties from partner sales of Herceptin (trastuzumab) SC, MabThera (rituximab) SC and HYQVIA (Immune Globulin Infusion 10% (Human) with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase), offset by a decrease in research and development reimbursements. Revenue for the fourth quarter included $17.7 million in royalties, an increase of 24 percent from the prior-year period, $8.4 million in sales of bulk rHuPH20 primarily for use in manufacturing collaboration products and $4.2 million in HYLENEX recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) product sales.
Revenue for the full year was $316.6 million, compared to $146.7 million in 2016.

Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter were $41.4 million, compared to $41.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016.
Research and development expenses for the full year were $150.6 million, compared to $150.8 million in 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter were $14.8 million, compared to $12.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to personnel expenses, including stock compensation, for the period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2017 were $53.8 million, compared to $45.9 million in 2016.


Net income for the fourth quarter was $123.9 million, or $0.85 per share, compared to net loss in the fourth quarter of 2016 of $27.4 million, or $0.21 per share.
Net income for the full year was $63 million, or $0.45 per share, compared to a net loss of $103 million in 2016, or $0.81 per share.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $469.2 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $316.9 million at September 30, 2017.

Financial Outlook for 2018

Halozyme reiterated its financial guidance of:


Net revenue of $115 million to $125 million, including 25% to 30% royalty growth;

Operating expenses of $230 million to $240 million;

Operating cash burn of $75 million to $85 million; and

Year-end cash balance of $305 million to $315 million.

Webcast and Conference Call
Halozyme will webcast its Quarterly Update Conference Call for the fourth quarter of 2017 today, Tuesday, February 20 at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Torley will lead the call, which will be webcast live through the "Investors" section of Halozyme’s corporate website and a recording made available following the close of the call. To access the webcast and additional documents related to the call, please visit halozyme.com approximately fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The call may also be accessed by dialing (877) 410-5657 (domestic callers) or (334) 323-7224 (international callers) using passcode 769890. A telephone replay will be available after the call by dialing (877) 919-4059 (domestic callers) or (334) 323-0140 (international callers) using replay ID number 95494046.

Diplomat to Release Fourth Quarter and 2017 Year End Financial Results, Provide 2018 Guidance and Host Conference Call On Monday, February 26, 2018

On February 20, 2018 Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (NYSE: DPLO) reported that it will release its fourth quarter and 2017 year end financial results and provide 2018 guidance on Monday, February 26, 2018 after market close, with a conference call to follow at 5:00 p.m. ET (Press release, Diplomat Speciality Pharmacy, FEB 20, 2018, View Source [SID1234524096]).

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Shareholders and interested participants may listen to a live broadcast of the conference call by dialing 833-640-6814 and referencing conference call ID 5992797 approximately 15 minutes prior to the call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations section of the Company’s website and an audio file of the call, as well as supplemental investor information, will be available for 90 days at ir.diplomat.is.

Johnson & Johnson to Participate in Cowen 38th Annual Healthcare Conference

On February 20, 2018 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported that it will participate in the Cowen 38th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, Mar. 13, at The Boston Marriott Copley Place, Boston (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, FEB 20, 2018, View Source [SID1234524072]). Ashley McEvoy, Company Group Chairman, Consumer Medical Devices will represent the Company in a session scheduled at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).

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This webcast will be available to investors and other interested parties by accessing the Johnson & Johnson website at www.investor.jnj.com.

A webcast and podcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the live webcast.

Dynavax Secures $175 Million in Non-Dilutive Debt Financing

On February 20, 2018 Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:DVAX) reported that it has closed on a $175 million non-dilutive term loan agreement with CRG LP, a healthcare focused investment firm (Press release, Dynavax Technologies, FEB 20, 2018, View Source [SID1234524052]). Dynavax will receive $100 million in a first tranche and up to an additional $75 million may be borrowed in a second tranche at Dynavax’s option.

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"This non-dilutive financing, together with our $192 million in cash at December 31, 2017, will enable us to implement our commercialization plan for HEPLISAV-B in the United States, and expand and advance clinical studies of our immuno-oncology product candidates," said Michael Ostrach, chief financial officer of Dynavax. "Our strong cash position will support the launch of our HEPLISAV-B field sales team next week and the phase 3 clinical trial of SD-101 and additional Phase 2 trials planned to start later this year."

Dynavax will receive $100 million in a first tranche and up to an additional $75 million may be funded at Dynavax’s option in a second tranche at any time upon notice delivered no later than June 30, 2019, in an amount determined by the company in increments of $25 million. Interest on the term loans will accrue at a rate of 9.5% per annum with the principal to be repaid at maturity on December 29, 2023. The principal can be repaid at any time after the second anniversary with no additional prepayment fees. Further information on the loan arrangement is available in the Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"With a newly approved product that can help address unmet medical needs and a promising immuno-oncology platform, Dynavax is the archetype of companies we seek to support," said Luke Düster, Managing Director of CRG. "This transaction demonstrates our confidence in HEPLISAV-B and Dynavax’s commercial strategy and ability to continue to translate its innovative technology into important commercial products."

Commercialization of HEPLISAV-B
HEPLISAV-B was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2017 for the prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults age 18 years and older. Dynavax commercially launched HEPLISAV-B in the United States in January 2018.

The company is seeking a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to add HEPLISAV-B to the adult vaccination schedule for the prevention of hepatitis B. The ACIP recommendation is required to obtain access to HEPLISAV-B through medical policies that only offer vaccinations included in the CDC’s schedule. The ACIP meeting is scheduled for February 21, during which the committee will determine its recommendation. The company will deploy its field sales team on February 26, targeting institutions, the largest independent accounts, and influential accounts that are current hepatitis B vaccinators.

Advancement of Immuno-Oncology Pipeline
Dynavax continues to expand its TLR based immuno-oncology platform through the execution of ongoing clinical trials and preclinical work on multiple compounds and combination therapies. The company’s lead program, SD-101, has shown promising initial clinical data with the potential to significantly enhance the immune response against cancer. Data from its Phase 2 trial in melanoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been submitted in separate abstracts to upcoming medical conferences.

About HEPLISAV-B
HEPLISAV-B is an adult hepatitis B vaccine that combines hepatitis B surface antigen with Dynavax’s proprietary Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 agonist to enhance the immune response. Dynavax has worldwide commercial rights to HEPLISAV-B.

For more information about HEPLISAV-B, visit View Source

Indication and Use
HEPLISAV-B is indicated for prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults age 18 years and older.

Important Safety Information (ISI)
Do not administer HEPLISAV-B to individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any hepatitis B vaccine or to any component of HEPLISAV-B, including yeast.

Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of HEPLISAV-B.

Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have a diminished immune response to HEPLISAV-B.

Hepatitis B has a long incubation period. HEPLISAV-B may not prevent hepatitis B infection in individuals who have an unrecognized hepatitis B infection at the time of vaccine administration.

The most common patient reported adverse reactions reported within 7 days of vaccination were injection site pain (23% to 39%), fatigue (11% to 17%) and headache (8% to 17%).

For full Prescribing Information for HEPLISAV-B, click here.

About SD-101
SD-101, the Company’s lead clinical candidate, is a proprietary, second-generation, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG-C class oligodeoxynucleotide. Dynavax is evaluating this intratumoral TLR9 agonist in several clinical studies to assess its safety and activity, including a Phase 2 study in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab), an anti-PD-1 therapy, in patients with metastatic melanoma and in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, in a clinical collaboration with Merck. Dynavax maintains all commercial rights to SD-101.