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Alexion Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Results

On February 4, 2019 Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2018 (Press release, Alexion, FEB 4, 2019, View Source [SID1234533046]). Total revenues for the full year of 2018 were $4,131.2 million, a 16 percent increase compared to 2017. The positive impact of foreign currency on total revenues year-over-year was less than one percent, or $5.9 million, inclusive of hedging activities. On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the full year of 2018 was $0.35, an 82 percent decrease versus the prior year, inclusive of $1,183.0 million of expense related to the value of the in-process research and development assets acquired in 2018. Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the full year of 2018 was $7.92, a 35 percent increase versus the prior year.

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Total revenues in the fourth quarter were $1,128.8 million, a 24 percent increase compared to the same period in 2017. The negative impact of foreign currency on total revenues year-over-year was 1 percent, or $5.5 million, inclusive of hedging activities. On a GAAP basis, diluted EPS in the quarter was $(0.20), a 254 percent decrease versus the prior year, inclusive of $379.3 million of expense related to the value of the in-process research and development asset acquired in connection with our acquisition of Syntimmune. Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $2.14, a 45 percent increase versus the fourth quarter of 2017.

"2018 was a transformational year for Alexion. I am proud of our many accomplishments, including entering rare neurology and making SOLIRIS for gMG Alexion’s best launch ever, completing the Phase 3 program and launching ULTOMIRIS for PNH in the U.S., delivering groundbreaking Phase 3 data and submitting regulatory filings for SOLIRIS in NMOSD and rebuilding our pipeline through disciplined business development, all while continuing to grow our base business," said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alexion. "As we look at 2019 and beyond, I am confident that this strong foundation positions us well to achieve our Four Pillars of growth, building durable, blockbuster franchises in PNH/aHUS, metabolics, neurology and FcRn."

Full Year 2018 Financial Highlights

Total net product sales were $4,130.1 million, compared to $3,549.5 million in 2017.
SOLIRIS (eculizumab) net product sales were $3,563.0 million, compared to $3,144.1 million in 2017, representing a 13 percent increase. SOLIRIS volume increased 16 percent year-over-year.
STRENSIQ (asfotase alfa) net product sales were $475.1 million, compared to $339.8 million in 2017, representing a 40 percent increase. STRENSIQ volume increased 47 percent year-over-year.
KANUMA (sebelipase alfa) net product sales were $92.0 million, compared to $65.6 million in 2017, representing a 40 percent increase. KANUMA volume increased 60 percent year-over-year.
GAAP cost of sales was $374.3 million, compared to $454.2 million in 2017. Non-GAAP cost of sales was $352.5 million, compared to $285.8 million in 2017.
GAAP R&D expense was $730.4 million, compared to $878.4 million in 2017. Non-GAAP R&D expense was $646.2 million, compared to $736.3 million in 2017.
GAAP SG&A expense was $1,111.8 million, compared to $1,094.4 million in 2017. Non-GAAP SG&A expense was $953.3 million, compared to $927.8 million in 2017.
GAAP income tax expense was $164.6 million, compared to $104.5 million in 2017. Non-GAAP income tax expense was $310.0 million, compared to $186.7 million in 2017.
GAAP diluted EPS was $0.35, inclusive of $1,183.0 million of expense related to the value of the in-process research and development assets acquired in 2018, compared to $1.97 in 2017. Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $7.92, compared to $5.86 in 2017.
GAAP net income includes total restructuring and related expenses of $50.7 million in 2018, compared to $286.5 million in 2017. GAAP cost of sales includes restructuring related expenses of $5.8 million in 2018, compared to $152.1 million in 2017, GAAP R&D expense includes $0.1 million in 2018, compared to $16.3 million in 2017 and GAAP SG&A expense includes $19.4 million in 2018, compared to $10.9 million in 2017.
Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

Total net product sales were $1,128.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $909.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
SOLIRIS net product sales were $976.7 million, compared to $791.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a 23 percent increase. SOLIRIS volume increased 28 percent year-over-year.
STRENSIQ net product sales were $126.1 million, compared to $95.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a 32 percent increase. STRENSIQ volume increased 43 percent year-over-year.
KANUMA net product sales were $25.7 million, compared to $21.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a 17 percent increase. KANUMA volume increased 51 percent year-over-year.
GAAP cost of sales was $96.8 million, compared to $144.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP cost of sales was $93.0 million, compared to $72.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
GAAP R&D expense was $205.6 million, compared to $265.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP R&D expense was $164.0 million, compared to $188.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
GAAP SG&A expense was $318.7 million, compared to $296.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP SG&A expense was $278.0 million, compared to $245.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
GAAP income tax expense was $12.1 million, compared to $59.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP income tax expense was $88.5 million, compared to $46.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
GAAP diluted EPS was $(0.20), inclusive of $379.3 million of expense related to the value of the in-process research and development asset acquired in connection with our acquisition of Syntimmune, compared to $0.13 in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $2.14, compared to $1.48 in the fourth quarter of 2017.
GAAP net income includes total restructuring and related expenses of $0.5 million in 2018, compared to $95.1 million in 2017. The 2017 statement of operations includes restructuring related expenses of $69.1 million in GAAP cost of sales, $15.3 million in GAAP R&D expense and $4.5 million in GAAP SG&A expense.
Research and Development

PHASE 3

ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab-cwvz) – Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): In December 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ULTOMIRIS for adults with PNH. Applications for approval in the European Union (EU) and Japan are currently under review. In addition, a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in children and adolescents with PNH is currently underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS): In January 2019, Alexion announced positive topline results from a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in complement inhibitor naïve patients with aHUS. The study met its primary objective with 53.6 percent of patients demonstrating complete thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) response. The safety profile of ULTOMIRIS was generally consistent with that seen in Phase 3 studies in PNH. No cases of meningococcal infection were observed. Based on these results, Alexion plans to file for regulatory approval in the U.S. in the first half of 2019 followed by the EU and Japan. In addition, a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in adolescents and children with aHUS is currently underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Subcutaneous: In late 2018, Alexion initiated a single, PK-based Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS delivered subcutaneously once per week to support registration in PNH and aHUS. Data are expected in early 2020.
ULTOMIRIS – Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG): Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in gMG in the first quarter of 2019.
ULTOMIRIS – Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in NMOSD.
SOLIRIS – NMOSD: Alexion has submitted applications in the U.S. and the EU for the approval of eculizumab for NMOSD. These submissions are based on previously announced results from the Phase 3 PREVENT study, in which 97.9 percent of patients with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) auto antibody-positive NMOSD receiving SOLIRIS on top of stable standard-of-care therapy were free of relapse at 48 weeks compared to 63.2 percent of patients receiving placebo. Alexion also plans to file for regulatory approval in Japan later this year.
ALXN1840 (WTX101) – Wilson Disease: Enrollment is underway in a Phase 3 study of ALXN1840 (WTX101) in Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder with devastating hepatic and neurological consequences. The study is now powered for superiority versus standard-of-care therapy. ALXN1840 is a first-in-class oral copper-binding agent with a unique mechanism of action to access and bind to serum copper and promote its removal from the liver.
PHASE 1/2

ALXN1830 (SYNT001): In the fourth quarter of 2018, Alexion announced the completion of its acquisition of Syntimmune. The acquisition added anti-FcRn antibody ALXN1830 (SYNT001) to the company’s clinical pipeline. ALXN1830 is currently in Phase 1b/2a development in patients with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) and in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) or pemphigus foliaceus (PF). In 2019, the company plans to initiate two pivotal trials – one in WAIHA following successful completion of the current Phase 1b/2a study and one in gMG.
ALXN1810 – Subcutaneous: A Phase 1 study of subcutaneous ALXN1210 co-administered with Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug-delivery technology, PH20, is underway. Pending co-formulation data, this next-generation subcutaneous formulation will be called ALXN1810 and has the potential to further extend the dosing interval to once every two weeks or once per month.
ULTOMIRIS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Alexion plans to initiate a proof-of-concept study for ULTOMIRIS in ALS.
ULTOMIRIS – Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS): Alexion plans to initiate a proof-of-concept study for ULTOMIRIS in PPMS.
Caelum Biosciences – CAEL101 – Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: In January 2019, Alexion entered into a collaboration with Caelum Biosciences to develop CAEL101 for AL amyloidosis, a rare systemic disorder that causes misfolded immunoglobulin light chain protein to build up in and around tissues, resulting in progressive and widespread organ damage. CAEL101 is a first-in-class amyloid fibril targeted therapy designed to improve organ function by reducing or eliminating amyloid deposits in patients with AL amyloidosis. In a Phase 1a/1b study, CAEL101 demonstrated improved organ function, including cardiac and renal function, in patients with relapsed and refractory AL amyloidosis.
PRE-CLINICAL

Dicerna – GalXC: Alexion is collaborating with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals to jointly discover and develop up to four subcutaneously delivered GalXC RNA interference (RNAi) candidates, currently in pre-clinical development, for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases.
Complement Pharma – CP010: Alexion is collaborating with Complement Pharma to co-develop CP010, a pre-clinical C6 inhibitor that has the potential to treat multiple neurological disorders.

2019 financial guidance assumes a GAAP effective tax rate of 13 to 15 percent and non-GAAP effective tax rate of 14 to 16 percent.

Alexion’s financial guidance is based on current foreign exchange rates net of hedging activities and does not include the effect of acquisitions, license and collaboration agreements, intangible asset impairments, litigation charges, changes in fair value of contingent consideration or restructuring and related activity outside of the previously announced activities that may occur after the issuance of this press release.

Conference Call/Webcast Information:

Alexion will host a conference call/audio webcast to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2018 results today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, dial 866-762-3111 (USA) or 210-874-7712 (International), conference ID 5972194 shortly before 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A replay of the call will be available for a limited period following the call. The audio webcast can be accessed on the Investor page of Alexion’s website at: View Source

Cancer Genetics, Inc. Announces Pricing of $3.5 Million Public Offering of Common Stock

On January 28, 2019 Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CGIX), a leader in enabling precision medicine for immuno-oncology and genomic medicine through molecular markers and diagnostics, reported the pricing of a public offering of 15,217,392 shares of its common stock, offered at a price to the public of $0.23 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $3.5 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by Cancer Genetics (Press release, Cancer Genetics, JAN 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234533044]). The offering is expected to close on or about January 31, 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.

H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The offering is being conducted as a "best efforts" offering and the placement agent is not obligated to purchase any securities.

Cancer Genetics intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to pay any amounts required by its lenders, and if any proceeds remain available, to pay certain costs previously incurred in connection with its strategic initiatives and to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes.

A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the public offering of the shares of common stock described above was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and was declared effective on June 5, 2017. A preliminary prospectus supplement describing the terms of the offering has been filed with the SEC. The final terms of the offering will be disclosed in a final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus to be filed with the SEC. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained, when available, from H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, 430 Park Avenue 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by calling (646) 975-6996 or by emailing [email protected] or at the SEC’s website at View Source

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offer, if at all, will be made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus forming a part of the effective registration statement.

Five Prime Therapeutics to Present at the Guggenheim Healthcare Talks Idea Forum

On February 4, 2019 Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FPRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative immuno-oncology protein therapeutics reported that Aron Knickerbocker, Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Guggenheim Healthcare Talks Idea Forum on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 2:00 pm PT (Press release, Five Prime Therapeutics, FEB 4, 2019, View Source [SID1234533041]).

The presentation will be webcast and may be accessed at the "Events & Presentations" section of the Company’s website at: View Source Five Prime will maintain an archived replay of the webcast on its website for 30 days after the conference.

Gilead Sciences Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results

On February 4, 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported its results of operations for the fourth quarter and full year 2018 (Press release, Gilead Sciences, FEB 4, 2019, View Source [SID1234533040]).

Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $5.8 billion compared to $5.9 billion for the same period in 2017. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $3 million, or $0.00 earnings per diluted share, compared to net loss of $3.9 billion, or $2.96 loss per diluted share for the same period in 2017. The earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2018 included an unfavorable impact of $0.99 per diluted share from an impairment and a non-cash tax charge related to intangible assets acquired from Kite Pharma, Inc. (Kite). Non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $1.9 billion, or $1.44 per diluted share, compared to $2.3 billion, or $1.78 per diluted share for the same period in 2017.

"Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities"

Non-GAAP financial information excludes acquisition-related, up-front collaboration, stock-based compensation and other expenses, fair value adjustments of marketable equity securities and discrete tax charges or benefits associated with changes in tax related laws and guidelines. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial information is provided in the tables on pages 8 through 11.

Product Sales

Total product sales for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $5.7 billion, compared to $5.8 billion for the same period in 2017. Product sales for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $4.5 billion in the United States, $813 million in Europe and $398 million in other locations. Product sales for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $4.1 billion in the United States, $1.1 billion in Europe and $553 million in other locations.

Total product sales in 2018 were $21.7 billion, compared to $25.7 billion in 2017. For 2018, product sales were $16.2 billion in the United States, $3.7 billion in Europe and $1.8 billion in other locations. For 2017, product sales were $18.1 billion in the United States, $5.0 billion in Europe and $2.6 billion in other locations.

HIV product sales were $4.1 billion for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $3.4 billion for the same period in 2017. For 2018, HIV product sales were $14.6 billion compared to $13.0 billion in 2017. The increases were primarily due to the launch of Biktarvy (bictegravir 50 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg) in 2018 and the continued uptake of Descovy (emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg), Genvoya (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 10 mg) and Odefsey (emtricitabine 200 mg/rilpivirine 25 mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg).
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) product sales, which consist of Epclusa (sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg), Harvoni (ledipasvir 90 mg/sofosbuvir 400 mg), Vosevi (sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg/voxilaprevir 100 mg) and Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400 mg), were $738 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $1.5 billion for the same period in 2017. For 2018, HCV product sales were $3.7 billion compared to $9.1 billion in 2017. The declines were primarily due to lower average net selling price and lower sales volume of Harvoni and Epclusa across all major markets as a result of increased competition and lower patient starts.
Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), which was launched in the United States in October 2017, generated $81 million in sales during the fourth quarter of 2018 and $264 million in sales in 2018.
Other product sales, which include products from Gilead’s chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), cardiovascular, oncology and other categories inclusive of Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg), Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg), Letairis (ambrisentan 5 mg and 10 mg), Ranexa (ranolazine 500 mg and 1000 mg), Zydelig (idelalisib 150 mg) and AmBisome (amphotericin B liposome for injection 50 mg/vial), were $797 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $886 million for the same period in 2017. For 2018, other product sales were $3.1 billion compared to $3.5 billion in 2017.
Cost of Goods Sold and Product Gross Margin

For the fourth quarter and full year 2018, compared to the same periods in 2017:

Cost of goods sold and non-GAAP cost of goods sold increased primarily due to reserves for excess raw material inventory. In the fourth quarter of 2018, inventory reserves of $410 million, or approximately $0.31 per diluted share, were recorded for excess raw materials primarily due to a sustained decrease in demand for Harvoni. The full year cost of goods sold also increased due to amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in connection with Gilead’s acquisition of Kite.
Product gross margin and non-GAAP product gross margin decreased primarily due to the factors noted above.
Operating Expenses

R&D expenses increased primarily due to an $820 million impairment charge related to in-process R&D (IPR&D) for the KITE-585 program (an anti-BCMA being evaluated for the treatment of multiple myeloma), up-front collaboration expenses and higher investments to support the growth of Gilead’s business following the acquisition of Kite, partially offset by Gilead’s purchase of Cell Design Labs, Inc. in 2017.
SG&A expenses decreased primarily due to lower stock-based compensation expenses associated with the acquisition of Kite, partially offset by higher investments to support the growth of Gilead’s business following the acquisition of Kite.
Non-GAAP R&D expenses and non-GAAP SG&A expenses increased primarily due to higher investments to support the growth of Gilead’s business following the acquisition of Kite.
For the full year 2018, compared to 2017:

R&D expenses increased primarily due to an $820 million impairment charge related to IPR&D for the KITE-585 program, up-front collaboration expenses, a full year of investments to support the growth of Gilead’s business following the acquisition of Kite and higher stock-based compensation expenses associated with the acquisition of Kite.
SG&A expenses increased primarily due to a full year of investments to support the growth of Gilead’s business following the acquisition of Kite, partially offset by lower acquisition-related costs associated with the acquisition of Kite.
Non-GAAP R&D expenses and non-GAAP SG&A expenses increased primarily due to a full year of investments to support the growth of Gilead’s business following the acquisition of Kite.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Debt Securities

As of December 31, 2018, Gilead had $31.5 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities compared to $36.7 billion as of December 31, 2017. During 2018, Gilead generated $8.4 billion in operating cash flow, repaid $6.3 billion of debt, paid cash dividends of $3.0 billion and utilized $2.9 billion on stock repurchases.

Full Year 2019 Guidance

Gilead provided its full year 2019 guidance below. The guidance for product sales reflects the anticipated entry of generic versions of Letairis and Ranexa in the United States and the full year impact of generic products containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in certain European countries.

Corporate Highlights

Announced that the Board of Directors named Daniel O’Day Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2019. Announced that the Board of Directors appointed Gregg Alton as interim Chief Executive Officer for the period of January 1, 2019 until March 1, 2019.
Announced an immuno-oncology partnership with Agenus Inc. focused on the development and commercialization of novel immuno-oncology therapies.
Announced a strategic collaboration with Scholar Rock Holding Corporation to discover and develop highly specific inhibitors of transforming growth factor beta activation for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
Announced a global strategic collaboration with Tango Therapeutics, Inc. to discover, develop and commercialize a pipeline of innovative targeted immuno-oncology treatments for patients with cancer.
Product & Pipeline Updates announced by Gilead during the Fourth Quarter of 2018 include:

HIV and Liver Diseases Programs

Announced that the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved Harvoni in China for the treatment of HCV genotype 1-6 infection in adults and adolescents aged 12 to 18 years.
Announced that the NMPA approved Descovy in China for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents.
Announced that the NMPA approved Vemlidy in China for the treatment of chronic HBV infection in adults and adolescents.
Presented data at The Liver Meeting 2018, which included the announcement of:
Results from studies investigating Epclusa in HCV infected patients with severe renal impairment undergoing dialysis and Harvoni in pediatric HCV patients aged three to five years, adding to the efficacy and safety profile of sofosbuvir-based regimens across diverse patient populations.
Results from Gilead’s HBV cure development program.
Results from Gilead’s clinical development program for advanced fibrosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Data presented support the ongoing development of Gilead’s investigational compounds, evaluate the utility of noninvasive tests for the identification of patients with advanced fibrosis and demonstrate the significant burden of disease in affected patients.
Results demonstrating that treatment with GS-9674, an investigational, selective, nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist, led to significant improvements in liver biochemistry and markers of cholestasis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Presented data at the 2018 HIV Glasgow conference, which included the announcement of 96-week results from a Phase 3, randomized, double-blinded study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Biktarvy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve adults. In the ongoing study, Biktarvy was found to be statistically non-inferior to a regimen of dolutegravir and emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide through 96 weeks of therapy.
Oncology and Cell Therapy Programs

Presented data at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper), which included the announcement of:
Updated results from ZUMA-3, a single-arm Phase 1/2 study evaluating KTE-X19 (formerly KTE-C19), an investigational CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. With a median follow-up of 15.1 months following a single infusion of KTE-X19, 69% of evaluable patients achieved complete tumor remission, defined as complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematological recovery. The rate of undetectable minimal residual disease in patients who achieved complete tumor remission was 100%.
Two-year efficacy and safety data from the pivotal ZUMA-1 trial of Yescarta in patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma. With a minimum follow-up of two years after a single infusion of Yescarta (median follow up of 27.1 months), 39% of patients were in an ongoing response.
Non-GAAP Financial Information

The information presented in this document has been prepared by Gilead in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise noted as non-GAAP. Management believes non-GAAP information is useful for investors, when considered in conjunction with Gilead’s GAAP financial information, because management uses such information internally for its operating, budgeting and financial planning purposes. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used to supplement an understanding of Gilead’s operating results as reported under GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined and calculated differently by other companies in the same industry. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial information is provided in the tables on pages 8 through 11.

Conference Call

At 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today, Gilead’s management will host a conference call and a simultaneous webcast to discuss results for the fourth quarter and full year 2018 and a general business update. To access the webcast live via the internet, please connect to Gilead’s website at View Source 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be needed to hear the webcast. Alternatively, please call (877) 359-9508 (U.S.) or (224) 357-2393 (international) and dial the conference ID 3826138 to access the call.

A replay of the webcast will be archived on Gilead’s website for one year and a phone replay will be available approximately two hours following the call through February 6, 2019. To access the phone replay, please call (855) 859-2056 (U.S.) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and dial the conference ID 3826138.

Genome Editing Biotech EdiGene Raises $10 Million in Series pre-B Plus Financing and Strengthens Management Team

On February 4, 2019 EdiGene Inc., which develops genome editing technologies into novel therapeutics for a broad range of diseases and into creative solutions to advance drug discovery, reported the successful completion of approximately $10 Million in a Series pre-B Plus financing, and strengthening of its management team by naming Yun Li, MD, as Vice President of Clinical Development (Press release, EdiGene, FEB 4, 2019, View Source [SID1234533039]).

The new round of financing is led by new investor Green Pine Capital Partners (Green Pine). Series A lead investor IDG Capital, Series B lead investor Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV) and other insiders also participated in this round.

"We are excited to participate in this round," said Fei Luo, founding partner of Green Pine. "We are happy to support EdiGene’s top scientists and experienced management team to accelerate the development of breakthrough therapies to treat unmet medical needs."

"We are pleased to complete this new round of financing led by Green Pine with participation of existing investors," said Dr. Wensheng Wei, founder of EdiGene. "As we are advancing our sciences, we look forward to working with Green Pine and our current investors to grow EdiGene into the next exciting phase."

Separately, Yun Li, MD, has joined EdiGene as Vice President of Clinical Development. Dr. Li has more than 20 years experiences in clinical trials of novel therapeutics, mainly focusing on oncology & hematology and immunological phase I-III clinical trials. Before EdiGene, Dr. Li had been with Parexel for over 10 years as Medical director in Global Medical Service. Prior to that, she had taken various roles with increasing responsibilities in clinical development in Novartis China, Roche China, RHONE-POUULENC RORER (now Sanofi) and Xian Janssen ( J&J company). Before that, she had 10 years practice in clinical and teaching institutions. Dr. Li has a medical degree of M.Sc in Clinical Hematology and B.Sc. in General Medicine from Second Military Medical University (Shanghai, China).

"Our portfolio is entering into an exciting stage, and this new round of financing further validates and continues to support our strategy of translating proprietary platforms into potential therapeutics to patients in need," said Dong Wei, Ph.D.,MBA，CEO of EdiGene, "We are thrilled that Dr. Li joins us at this significant point of our company’s development. Her extensive experiences in clinical development in hematology and oncology will help us advance our therapeutic candidates into clinics in the near future."