On November 2, 2016 PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) reported a corporate update and reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2016 (Press release, PTC Therapeutics, NOV 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234516313]).

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"For the past 18 years, we have focused significant effort towards developing Translarna for those affected by Duchenne," stated Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer, PTC Therapeutics, Inc. "Over 400 Duchenne patients have participated in our clinical trials dating back to 2005 and the vast majority continue to remain on Translarna including approximately 130 boys in the United States. With this high compliance rate, we believe these actions speak to the benefit Translarna is providing to patients in the U.S. and around the world. In the E.U., regulatory discussions continue and we anticipate an opinion from the CHMP before the end of the year. With respect to the U.S., we will continue to escalate our appeal so that we may have the opportunity to have the Translarna NDA submission reviewed by the FDA. Our goal remains to deliver this novel therapy to nonsense mutation Duchenne patients globally."

Key Third Quarter and Other Corporate Highlights:

Translarna net sales of $22M in the third quarter represents 125% year-over-year growth. Commercial access to Translarna continued to expand during the quarter with a significant number of new patients coming from England. While pricing and reimbursement discussions with a number of European countries are ongoing, PTC has now successfully concluded pricing and reimbursement negotiations in both Italy and Romania. PTC anticipates growth from both additional penetration into existing markets as well as expanding access in new geographies across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
EMA regulatory discussions regarding Translarna’s marketing authorization are ongoing. PTC continues to interact with the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in connection with the company’s ongoing request for annual renewal of its marketing authorization for Translarna. Following the company’s CHMP meeting in October, the committee requested additional information regarding the risk-benefit profile of Translarna, its efficacy and the design of a potential trial that would provide comprehensive clinical data. While we have provided information in response to the CHMP’s requests and expect to continue to engage in further interactions, recent dialogue has introduced a higher degree of uncertainty as to the outcome. PTC anticipates that an opinion regarding its marketing authorization renewal request will be adopted by the CHMP before the end of 2016. The current marketing authorization remains valid while the EMA assessment is ongoing and until a decision is made by the European Commission.
Appeal process of FDA’s Refuse to File regarding Translarna for DMD continues. As PTC previously stated, the RTF appeal could be an iterative process requiring multiple rounds before a conclusion. Having had its appeal denied, the company intends to continue the appeal to higher levels of the FDA. PTC continues to believe that the FDA can only accomplish a proper assessment of the data and analyses based on the results of the company’s extensive clinical research and experience in more than 400 boys in the context of a full and fair review. This would include an advisory committee meeting that allows DMD clinical experts and representatives of the patient community to express their views on Translarna for the treatment of nmDMD. PTC intends to provide an update following a final conclusion of the appeal process or, alternatively, following a determination by the company to pursue an alternate regulatory strategy for advancing the potential approval of Translarna for the treatment of nmDMD in the U.S.
ACT CF Phase 3 clinical trial results expected late first quarter 2017. PTC’s confirmatory Phase 3 ACT CF clinical trial, a 48-week placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of Translarna in patients six years of age or older with nonsense mutation cystic fibrosis, is ongoing. Following feedback from the FDA and the company’s CHMP rapporteurs during the third quarter, PTC modified the protocol for ACT CF. In-line with clinical trials for other approved CF therapies, the primary endpoint of lung function as measured by FEV1 was updated from relative change to absolute change in percent predicted FEV1. Pulmonary exacerbations will be an important secondary endpoint.
SMA program advancing with Phase 2 SUNFISH trial initiated in Type 2/3 patients. PTC’s joint development program in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) with Roche and the SMA Foundation initiated a Phase 2 study in pediatric and adult Type 2/3 SMA patients. SUNFISH, is a two-part study investigating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of RG7916, an oral small molecule survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) splicing modifier. The first part of the study will evaluate safety and tolerability through escalating doses of RG7916. After dose selection, the study will transition into the pivotal second part evaluating the efficacy of RG7916. Initiation of the pivotal second part of the study is expected to begin in 2017 and will trigger a $20 million milestone payment to PTC from Roche. A similarly designed two-part study to evaluate RG7916 in Type 1 SMA patients is expected to begin in the coming months.
PTC596 cancer stem cell program to advance in clinical development in 2017.
Phase 1 safety data from PTC’s clinical oncology program were recently presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress. The ongoing Phase 1 dose-escalation study is evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of PTC596 in patients with advanced solid tumors as a monotherapy. Preliminary results demonstrate that PTC596 is generally well tolerated at doses associated with exposures that achieved or exceeded efficacious target plasma concentrations in preclinical studies. Escalating doses are being evaluated for safety, pharmacodynamics, and to determine a target dose for subsequent studies. PTC596 is a novel, oral investigational drug that reduces the levels of BMI1, a protein that is required for cancer stem cell survival. Based on its proposed mechanism of action, PTC596 is expected to be most efficacious when used as part of combination therapy. Continued clinical development of PTC596 is being planned for 2017.
Third Quarter Financial Highlights:

Translarna net product sales were $22.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, representing a 125% increase versus $9.8 million in the third quarter of 2015. Net sales increased in conjunction with continued expansion of commercial access to Translarna for nonsense mutation DMD boys outside of the U.S.
Total revenues for the third quarter of 2016 were $23.0 million, an increase of $13.2 million or 135% compared to $9.8 million in the same period of 2015. The change in total revenue was primarily a result of the expanded commercial launch of Translarna.
GAAP R&D expenses were relatively flat at $31.4 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $30.6 million for the same period in 2015. Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $27.1 million for the third quarter of 2016, excluding $4.3 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $26.8 million for the same period in 2015, excluding $3.8 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.
GAAP SG&A expenses were $23.7 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $21.4 million for the same period in 2015. Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $19.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, excluding $4.6 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $17.1 million for the same period in 2015, excluding $4.2 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. The increase in SG&A expense for the third quarter 2016 as compared to the prior year period primarily resulted from additional costs associated with commercial activities in support of Translarna across Europe and other regions.
Net interest expense for the third quarter of 2016 was $2.1 million compared to net interest expense of $0.9 million in the same period in 2015. The increase in interest expense is primarily a result of the $150 million convertible debt offering completed during mid-third quarter 2015. The debt was recorded on PTC’s balance sheet at a discount, which will be amortized over the life of the bond.
Net loss for the third quarter of 2016 was $35.2 million, a decrease of $8.1 million compared to a net loss of $43.2 million for the same period in 2015.
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled approximately $248.3 million at September 30, 2016 compared to approximately $338.9 million at December 31, 2015.
Shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016 were 34.3 million, which includes 0.2 million shares of unvested restricted stock.
2016 Guidance:

PTC expects to achieve total ex-US nmDMD Translarna net sales in the middle of our guidance of $65 to $85 million for 2016.
Operating expenses for the full year 2016 are now anticipated to be between $180 million and $190 million, excluding expected non-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $35 million, for total operating expenses of approximately $215 million to $225 million. These expenses are in support of our ongoing clinical trials for Translarna in nmDMD and nmCF, commercial launch activities for Translarna outside of the U.S., and the continued research and clinical development of other product pipeline candidates.
PTC expects to end 2016 with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $220 million.

On November 2, 2016 Aduro Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADRO) reported financial results for the third quarter 2016 (Press release, Aduro BioTech, NOV 2, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2218713 [SID1234516171]). Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $35.1 million, or $0.54 per share, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 net loss was $61.6 million, or $0.96 per share, compared to a net income of $0.6 million, or $0.01 per share, and net loss of $42.3 million, or $1.09 per share respectively, for the same periods in 2015.

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Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $387.1 million at September 30, 2016, compared to $431.0 million at December 31, 2015.

Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Revenue for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $3.8 million and $46.8 million, respectively, compared to $19.1 million and $38.6 million, for the same periods in 2015. The decrease in the third quarter of 2016 was primarily related to the full recognition of the Janssen upfront license fee in 2015. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to the receipt of a $35.0 million milestone payment from Novartis.

Research and development expenses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $19.0 million and $66.9 million, respectively, compared to $11.8 million and $36.0 million for the same periods in 2015. The increase for the quarter was primarily due to licensing fees related to our STING technology platform and additional personnel-related costs which include stock-based compensation, partially offset by declines in contract manufacturing and clinical trial expenses for our pancreatic cancer program. The increase for the nine month period was primarily due to GVAX pancreas manufacturing expenses during the first half of 2016, and to a lesser extent due to additional personnel-related costs, contract research expenses, and licensing fees.

General and administrative expenses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $8.6 million and $26.3 million, respectively, compared to $6.9 million and $19.0 million for the same periods in 2015. The increases in both periods were primarily due to additional personnel-related costs, including stock-based compensation, and the expansion of our office and laboratory facilities.

There was no loss from remeasurement of fair value of warrants during the quarter or nine months ended September 30, 2016 or for the third quarter of 2015. The $26.1 million loss from remeasurement of fair value of warrants for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 occurred in April 2015 when certain outstanding warrants were no longer subject to future remeasurement.

Provision for income taxes for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $11.7 million and $16.4 million, respectively. There was no provision for income taxes for the comparable periods in 2015. The income tax expense recorded for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily related to current and deferred federal income taxes.

On November 2, 2016 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) and Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) reported that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a unique, product-specific billing code, or J-code (J9034), for BENDEKA (bendamustine hydrochloride) Injection (Press release, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, NOV 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234516173]. The J-code will become effective on January 1, 2017).

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The new J-code provides reimbursement coding clarity to outpatient facilities and physicians that administer BENDEKA, facilitating access for patients and Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance reimbursement.

"We are pleased that CMS recognized that the unique formulation and delivery mechanism offered by BENDEKA required separate recognition from other bendamustine products currently on the market. We expect the new J-code will provide greater access for patients, facilitate reimbursement and enable greater adoption of BENDEKA in the market," said Scott Tarriff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals.

"This is an important milestone for Teva as we continue to advance our bendamustine franchise with BENDEKA," said Paul Rittman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Teva Oncology. "We are committed to serving patients in need of this important therapy and are pleased that a unique J-code has been established to assist providers in obtaining reimbursement for BENDEKA."

BENDEKA, a liquid, low-volume (50 mL) and short-time (10-minute) infusion formulation of bendamustine hydrochloride, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2015 for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and for the treatment of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen. Efficacy in CLL relative to first-line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established.

Under a February 2015 exclusive license agreement for BENDEKA, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. is responsible for all U.S. commercial activities for the product including promotion and distribution. BENDEKA was launched by Teva in late January 2016 and now is the most used bendamustine product. Please see Important Safety Information below including contraindication in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions) to bendamustine, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, or monothioglycerol.

Indications

BENDEKA is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Efficacy relative to first-line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established.

BENDEKA is indicated for the treatment of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.

Important Safety Information

Contraindication: BENDEKA is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions) to bendamustine, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, or monothioglycerol.

Myelosuppression: Bendamustine hydrochloride caused severe myelosuppression (Grade 3-4) in 98% of patients in the two NHL studies. Three patients (2%) died from myelosuppression-related adverse reactions. Monitor leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin (Hgb), and neutrophils frequently. Myelosuppression may require dose delays and/or subsequent dose reductions if recovery to the recommended values has not occurred by the first day of the next scheduled cycle.

Infections: Infection, including pneumonia, sepsis, septic shock, hepatitis and death has occurred. Patients with myelosuppression following treatment with BENDEKA are more susceptible to infections. Patients treated with Bendamustine hydrochloride are at risk for reactivation of infections including (but not limited to) hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and herpes zoster. Patients should undergo appropriate monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment measures.

Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions: Infusion reactions to bendamustine hydrochloride have occurred commonly in clinical trials. Symptoms include fever, chills, pruritus, and rash. In rare instances severe anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions have occurred, particularly in the second and subsequent cycles of therapy. Monitor clinically and discontinue drug for severe (Grade 3-4) reactions. Ask patients about symptoms suggestive of infusion reactions after their first cycle of therapy. Consider measures to prevent severe reactions, including antihistamines, antipyretics, and corticosteroids in subsequent cycles in patients who have experienced Grade 1 or 2 infusion reactions.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome associated with bendamustine hydrochloride has occurred. The onset tends to be within the first treatment cycle with –bendamustine hydrochloride and, without intervention, may lead to acute renal failure and death. Preventive measures include vigorous hydration and close monitoring of blood chemistry, particularly potassium and uric acid levels. There may be an increased risk of severe skin toxicity when bendamustine hydrochloride and allopurinol are administered concomitantly.

Skin Reactions: Skin reactions have been reported with bendamustine hydrochloride treatment including rash, toxic skin reactions, and bullous exanthema. In a study of bendamustine hydrochloride (90 mg/m2) in combination with rituximab, one case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) occurred. TEN has been reported for rituximab. Cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and TEN, some fatal, have been reported when bendamustine hydrochloride was administered concomitantly with allopurinol and other medications known to cause these syndromes. Where skin reactions occur, they may be progressive and increase in severity with further treatment. Monitor patients with skin reactions closely. If skin reactions are severe or progressive, withhold or discontinue BENDEKA.

Other Malignancies: There are reports of pre-malignant and malignant diseases that have developed in patients who have been treated with bendamustine hydrochloride, including myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders, acute myeloid leukemia, and bronchial carcinoma. The association with BENDEKA therapy has not been determined.

Extravasation Injury: Extravasations resulting in hospitalizations from erythema, marked swelling, and pain have been reported with bendamustine hydrochloride. Assure good venous access prior to starting drug infusion and monitor the intravenous infusion site for redness, swelling, pain, infection, and necrosis during and after administration of BENDEKA.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Bendamustine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while using BENDEKA.

Most Common Adverse Reactions:

• Adverse reactions (frequency >5%) during infusion and within 24 hours post-infusion are nausea and fatigue.

• Most common non-hematologic adverse reactions for CLL (frequency ≥15%) are pyrexia, nausea, and vomiting.

• Most common non-hematologic adverse reactions for NHL (frequency ≥15%) are nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, pyrexia, constipation, anorexia, cough, headache, weight decreased, dyspnea, rash, and stomatitis.

• Most common hematologic abnormalities (frequency ≥15%) are lymphopenia, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

For BENDEKA Full Prescribing Information, please visit: View Source

Aduro Biotech has filed a 10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Filing, 10-Q, Aduro BioTech, NOV 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234516172]).

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On November 2, 2016 Alkermes plc (NASDAQ: ALKS) reported financial results for the third quarter of 2016 (Press release, Alkermes, NOV 2, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2218397 [SID1234516175]).

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"Our third quarter results demonstrate the value of our highly-diversified commercial portfolio, and were driven by the strong growth of our proprietary products, VIVITROL and ARISTADA," commented James Frates, Chief Financial Officer of Alkermes. "As we approach year-end, we remain well-positioned to execute on our business strategy and are reiterating our 2016 financial expectations provided in July."

"We are at an unprecedented place in Alkermes’ evolution, with two proprietary products growing in their markets, ALKS 5461 advancing at full speed, and two additional late-stage candidates well into their pivotal programs," stated Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes. "VIVITROL for opioid and alcohol dependence and ARISTADA for schizophrenia are important, distinctive medicines in their disease areas and are the foundation of our future growth. With the positive results of FORWARD-5 for ALKS 5461 for major depressive disorder in hand, Alkermes’ next potential growth driver is coming more clearly into focus."

Quarter Ended Sept. 30, 2016 Highlights

Total revenues for the quarter were $180.2 million. This compared to $152.7 million for the same period in the prior year.
Net loss according to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP) was $62.7 million, or a basic and diluted GAAP loss per share of $0.41, for the quarter, which reflected increased investment in the company’s advancing late-stage pipeline and commercial infrastructure. This compared to GAAP net loss of $81.0 million, or a basic and diluted GAAP loss per share of $0.54, for the same period in the prior year.
Non-GAAP net loss was $14.1 million, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted loss per share of $0.09, for the quarter. This compared to non-GAAP net loss of $28.8 million, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted loss per share of $0.19, for the same period in the prior year.
Quarter Ended Sept. 30, 2016 Financial Results

Revenues

Net sales of VIVITROL were $55.8 million, compared to $37.9 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of approximately 47%.
Net sales of ARISTADA were $14.0 million, up from $10.3 million in the second quarter of 2016.
Manufacturing revenues from RISPERDAL CONSTA (risperidone) and royalty revenues from RISPERDAL CONSTA, INVEGA SUSTENNA/XEPLION (paliperidone palmitate) and INVEGA TRINZA/TREVICTA (paliperidone palmitate) were $73.3 million, compared to $67.6 million for the same period in the prior year.
Manufacturing and royalty revenues from AMPYRA/FAMPYRA1 were $12.9 million, compared to $22.1 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the timing of manufacturing shipments.
Royalty revenue from BYDUREON was $11.6 million, compared to $13.0 million for the same period in the prior year.
Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses were $241.4 million, reflecting increased investment in the company’s development pipeline, the continued launch of ARISTADA and growth of VIVITROL. Operating expenses for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2015 were $230.1 million.
Balance Sheet
At Sept. 30, 2016, Alkermes had cash and total investments of $624.6 million, compared to $798.8 million at Dec. 31, 2015. On Sept. 26, 2016 the company retired $60 million of maturing debt. In October 2016, the company extended the maturity date of the approximately $286 million outstanding term loan by two years to Sept. 25, 2021.

Financial Expectations
Alkermes reiterates its Financial Expectations for 2016 set forth in its press release dated July 28, 2016.