On August 8, 2024 Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA), a commercial biotechnology company focused on innovating, developing, and delivering novel polyclonal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies for patients with cancer, reported second quarter and first half 2024 financial results and corporate updates (Press release, Iovance Biotherapeutics, AUG 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234645609]).

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Frederick Vogt, Ph.D., J.D., Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Iovance, stated, "The first half of 2024 ushered in our first FDA approval and the start of our U.S. commercial launch of Amtagvi for patients with previously treated advanced melanoma. Amtagvi and Proleukin demand remains strong and continues to increase as authorized treatment centers (ATCs) adopt Amtagvi and community referral networks are mobilized to drive patients to ATCs. These demand trends, as well as broader utilization of Amtagvi among an expanding ATC network, are expected to accelerate quarterly growth throughout this year and next year. We expect this growth to continue in 2025, 2026 and beyond. Additionally, we continue to expand our global commercial footprint, proprietary manufacturing capabilities, and broad clinical pipeline. As a fully integrated company, Iovance is well positioned to remain the global leader in innovating, developing, and delivering TIL cell therapy for patients with cancer."

Second Quarter and First Half 2024 Financial Results, Corporate Guidance, and Updates

Product Revenue and Guidance

2Q24 Total Product Revenue: $31.1 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, following the initial launch of Amtagvi on February 20, 2024.
Amtagvi Revenue: 2Q24 represents the first quarter of Amtagvi sales in the U.S. with product revenue of $12.8 million, which is only recognized upon patient infusion.
Proleukin Revenue: 2Q24 product revenue also includes $18.3 million in sales for Proleukin, which is used in the Amtagvi treatment regimen and in global commercial and clinical uses in other settings. Proleukin revenue is recognized upon delivery to distributors and ATCs and purchased several months in advance of anticipated infusions and revenue recognition for Amtagvi use.
FY24 and FY25 Total Product Revenue Guidance: Iovance expects significant quarter-over-quarter growth in product revenue to continue throughout 2024, 2025, and beyond as the adoption curve for Amtagvi steepens. More than 55 patients have been infused with Amtagvi since the first commercial infusion in April 2024, which includes 25 patients infused in the second quarter and over 30 patients infused since the start of the third quarter.
Revenue Guidance in 3Q24: With utilization broadening and the rate of infusions substantially increasing, total infusions during the third quarter have markedly exceeded infusions in the second quarter. Total product revenue in the third quarter of 2024 is expected to be within the range of $53 to $55 million.
Revenue Guidance in FY24: Total product revenue for the full year 2024 is anticipated to be within the range of $160 to $165 million, reflecting three quarters of Amtagvi sales following FDA approval in mid-February. Additionally, demand for Proleukin remains strong and continues to be a leading indicator of Amtagvi sales.
Revenue Guidance in FY25: Robust growth for Amtagvi continues as existing ATC demand increases and new ATCs are onboarded. As such, total product revenue for 2025 is anticipated to be within the range of $450 to $475 million, the first full calendar year of Amtagvi sales, with gross margins expected to increase to greater than 70% over the next several years. In line with Amtagvi demand, Proleukin revenue is expected to significantly increase in 2025.
Cash Position: As of July 24, 2024, Iovance had cash, cash equivalents, investments, and restricted cash of $449.6 million, compared to $346.3 million at December 31, 2023. The current cash position and anticipated product revenue are expected to be sufficient to fund current and planned operations, including manufacturing expansion, into early 2026.
Amtagvi (Lifileucel) U.S. Launch Highlights in Advanced Melanoma

The U.S. FDA approved Amtagvi (lifileucel) on February 16, 2024, as the first treatment option for advanced melanoma after anti-PD-1 and targeted therapy. Amtagvi is also the first FDA-approved T cell therapy for a solid tumor indication.
Onboarding is complete at more than 50 U.S. ATCs across 29 states and more than 90% of addressable patients are now located within 200 miles of an ATC. More than 70 ATCs remain on track to be onboarded by the end of 2024.
Manufacturing turnaround time has been on-target with initial launch expectations of approximately 34 days from inbound to return shipment to ATCs, with efforts underway to reduce the turnaround time in the near term. The commercial manufacturing experience is consistent with prior clinical experience.
Amtagvi is a preferred second-line or subsequent therapy in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for treatment of cutaneous melanoma.
Reimbursement remains successful, with an average financial clearance time of about three weeks.
Approximately 75% of enrolled Amtagvi patients are covered by private payers. To date, payers covering more than 225 million lives have already added Amtagvi to policies during the first five months of launch.
Lifileucel Launch Expansion into New Markets and Indications

Amtagvi has the potential to address more than 20,000 patients annually with previously treated advanced melanoma across the U.S. and multiple global markets where regulatory dossiers have been submitted or are planned in 2024 and 2025.1
A marketing authorization application was submitted to the European Medicines Agency for lifileucel for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma previously treated with a PD-1 blocking antibody, and if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor with or without a MEK inhibitor. If approved, lifileucel will be the first and only approved therapy in this treatment setting in all European Union member states.
Regulatory dossiers remain on track for submission in the following markets with significant populations of previously treated advanced melanoma patients:
UK and Canada in the second half of 2024
Australia in the first half of 2025
Additional countries, including Switzerland, in the second half of 2025 and early 2026
Iovance TIL Cell Therapy Pipeline Highlights

Lifileucel in Frontline Advanced Melanoma
Updated clinical data from Cohort 1A of the IOV-COM-202 trial was presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024 and demonstrated an unprecedented rate, depth and durability of responses, including a 30% confirmed complete response rate, and a differentiated safety profile in advanced melanoma patients who were naive to immune checkpoint inhibitors. These results further support the rationale for the registrational Phase 3 TILVANCE-301 trial and the global opportunity for lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab as a frontline therapy for advanced melanoma.
A new cohort, 1D, will begin in the IOV-COM-202 trial in solid tumors to investigate lifileucel in combination with nivolumab and relatlimab in patients with frontline advanced melanoma, representing another potential best-in-class frontline alternative for physicians and patients in the U.S.
Strong momentum continues with global site activation and patient enrollment in the TILVANCE-301 trial, with more than 40 active sites across 10 countries including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Canada, and an additional 60 sites across 18 countries committed to join the trial. TILVANCE-301 is intended to support accelerated and full U.S. approvals of Amtagvi in combination with pembrolizumab in frontline advanced melanoma, as well as full approval of Amtagvi in post-anti-PD-1 melanoma.
Lifileucel in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Enrollment is accelerating in the IOV-LUN-202 registrational Phase 2 trial in post-anti-PD-1 NSCLC with high demand at clinical sites in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Iovance is also activating sites in additional regions with strong track records for enrollment in NSCLC studies.
The FDA previously provided positive regulatory feedback on the proposed potency matrix for lifileucel in NSCLC, as well as the single-arm IOV-LUN-202 trial design to support accelerated approval of lifileucel in post-anti-PD-1 NSCLC.
Iovance expects to complete enrollment and report topline data from the registrational cohorts in IOV-LUN-202 in 2025 to support a potential supplemental biologics license application for lifileucel in 2026 for potential accelerated approval.
Lifileucel in Endometrial Cancer
The IOV-END-201 Phase 2 trial was initiated in the second quarter of 2024 to investigate lifileucel for advanced endometrial cancer patients who have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy regardless of mismatch repair (MMR) status. IOV-END-201 is supported by positive feedback from gynecological oncology experts as well as preclinical and manufacturing success data to be presented at a conference in 2024.
Endometrial cancer represents a significant opportunity for TIL cell therapy to address an additional unmet medical need in the post-anti-PD-1 treatment setting and may address both MMR deficient and proficient tumors. There are no currently approved therapies in the emerging second-line setting after frontline post-anti-PD1 therapy and chemotherapy.

Next Generation TIL Pipeline
IOV-4001 (PD-1 Inactivated TIL Cell Therapy): The Phase 1 safety portion concluded in the first in human IOV-GM1-201 trial to investigate PD-1 inactivated TIL cell therapy (IOV-4001) in previously treated advanced melanoma and NSCLC, and the trial is progressing successfully into the multi-center Phase 2 efficacy stage. Iovance continues to utilize the TALEN technology licensed from Cellectis to develop other investigational gene-edited TIL cell therapies with multiple knockout targets to potentially improve efficacy.
Next Generation IL-2 for TIL Treatment Regimen: Iovance plans to submit an Investigational New Drug application (IND) for a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of IOV-3001, a second-generation, modified interleukin-2 (IL-2) analog, for use in the TIL therapy treatment regimen in the third quarter of 2024. Results from non-human primate and IND-enabling studies of IOV-3001 were presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024 and demonstrated the potential for improved safety with strong effector T cell expansion.
Next Generation, Cytokine-Tethered TIL Therapy: A genetically engineered, inducible, and tethered IL-12 TIL cell therapy, designated IOV-5001, is in IND-enabling studies. In preclinical studies, IOV-5001 augmented anti-tumor activity in vitro, and a clinical trial of a prior generation IL-12 TIL therapy at the National Cancer Institute showed improved efficacy. An IND submission is planned in 2025.
Manufacturing Capacity Expansion

The Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC), and an FDA-approved contract manufacturer, currently have capacity to treat several thousands of patients annually. Expansion is currently underway for the iCTC campus to supply TIL cell therapies for more than 5,000 patients annually in the next few years. The long-term goal is to establish a manufacturing network to address more than 10,000 patients annually.
Corporate Updates

Iovance currently owns more than 210 granted or allowed U.S. and international patents and patent rights for Amtagvi and other TIL-related technologies that are expected to provide Amtagvi with exclusivity through at least 2042. This patent portfolio covers TIL compositions and methods of treatment and manufacturing in a broad range of cancers, with Gen 2 patent rights expected to provide exclusivity for Amtagvi into 2038 and additional patent rights, including methods of treating melanoma and compositions and methods for potency assays, expected to provide exclusivity into 2040 and 2042, respectively. Iovance also owns an industry-leading patent portfolio covering TIL products produced with genetic engineering, using core biopsies and peripheral blood as starting material, and using combinations of TIL products with checkpoint inhibitors, as well as Iovance’s proprietary IovanceCares system. More information on Iovance’s patent portfolio is available on the Intellectual Property page on www.iovance.com.
Iovance recently renewed its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Over the five-year term of the CRADA, Iovance and NCI teams will collaborate closely on preclinical and clinical development of enhanced tumor reactive TIL products for the treatment of a broad range of common epithelial cancers. Iovance retains an option to negotiate an exclusive license to inventions developed under the CRADA.
Second Quarter and First Half 2024 Financial Results

As of July 24, 2024, Iovance’s unaudited cash position is approximately $449.6 million, which includes net proceeds of approximately $200.0 million raised from an at-the market (ATM) equity financing facility during the second and third quarter of 2024. The current cash position and anticipated product revenue are expected to be sufficient to fund current and planned operations into early 2026. Iovance had $346.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, investments, and restricted cash at December 31, 2023.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2024 was $97.1 million, or $0.34 per share, compared to a net loss of $106.5 million, or $0.47 per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. Net loss for the first half of 2024 was $210.1 million, or $0.76 per share, compared to a net loss of $213.9 million, or $0.98 per share, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023.

Revenue was $31.1 million for the second quarter of 2024 and consisted of product revenue from the initial quarter of Amtagvi sales as well as recurring revenue from Proleukin. Iovance recognized $12.8 million in revenue from Amtagvi infusions that were completed during the second quarter of 2024 and $18.3 million in global revenue for Proleukin.

Revenue for the first half of 2024 was $31.8 million and reflected product revenue from Proleukin and Amtagvi. Revenue for the first half of 2023 was $0.2 million for global sales of Proleukin, which Iovance began to recognize during the three-month period ended June 30, 2023.

The increases in revenue in the second quarter and first half of 2024 over the prior year periods were primarily attributable to the U.S. launch of Amtagvi, including revenue recognized for Amtagvi, as well as significant growth in U.S. Proleukin revenue for use in the Amtagvi treatment regimen, beginning in the second quarter of 2024.

Cost of sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $31.4 million and $38.6 million, respectively, primarily related to costs associated with sales of Amtagvi and Proleukin, certain costs associated with patient drop off and manufacturing success rates, non-cash amortization expense for intangible assets, and royalties payable on product sales. Cost of sales for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $2.1 million, primarily related to non-cash amortization for intangible assets.

The increases in cost of sales in the second quarter and first half of 2024 over the prior year periods were primarily attributable to the initiation of commercial manufacturing and related costs for the U.S. launch of Amtagvi during the first half of 2024.

Research and development expenses were $62.1 million for the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of $24.2 million compared to $86.3 million for the same period ended June 30, 2023. Research and development expenses were $141.9 million for the first half of 2024, a decrease of $27.2 million compared to $169.1 million for the same period ended June 30, 2023.

The decreases in research and development expenses in the second quarter and first half of 2024 over the prior year periods were primarily attributable to the transition of Amtagvi to commercial manufacturing, decreased costs associated with certain clinical activities in the first half of 2024, and the completion of pre-commercial qualification activities in 2023. These decreases in research and development were partially offset by increases in stock-based compensation resulting from growth in headcount.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $39.6 million for the second quarter of June 2024, an increase of $17.7 million compared to $21.9 million for the same period ended June 30, 2023. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $71.0 million for the first half of 2024, an increase of $21.0 million compared to $50.0 million for the same six-month period ended June 30, 2023.

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter and first half of 2024 compared to the prior year periods was primarily attributable to increases in headcount and related costs, including stock-based compensation, to support the growth in the overall business and related corporate infrastructure, as well as legal costs and costs incurred to support the commercialization of Amtagvi and Proleukin.

For additional information, please see the Company’s Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations below.

Webcast and Conference Call

Management will host a conference call and live audio webcast to discuss these results and provide a corporate update today at 4:30 p.m. ET. To listen to the live or archived audio webcast, please register at View Source The live and archived webcast can be accessed in the Investors section of the Company’s website, IR.Iovance.com, for one year.

1. World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN 2022.