Targovax positioned for important clinical read outs

Our portfolio company Targovax reports significant progress, both financially and clinically in second quarter first half year of 2017 report. 

 

 “In the first half of 2017, the Company took significant strides forward, demonstrating important clinical and financial progress, as well as strengthening our team with the hire of Erik Digman Wiklund as CFO. We are especially pleased by the recent data showing a signal of efficacy of TG01 in patients with resected pancreatic cancer, which is an important milestone for the TG program. Combined with the successful fund raising this summer of NOK 206 million (approx. $26 million), we believe we are well positioned to deliver several important clinical read-outs going forward,” says Øystein Soug, CEO Targovax. 

 

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND FIRST HALF 2017

R&D

  • In February, Targovax announced encouraging top line two-year survival data from the phase I/II TG01 clinical trial in resected pancreatic cancer patients
    • 68 percent of evaluated patients (13/19) were still alive after two years
  • Further encouraging clinical data from the phase I/II TG01 trial were presented at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting in June:
    • TG01 activates mutant RAS specific T cells
    • Median overall survival of 33.1 months was promising in view of previous published reports of 27.6 months for standard of care
    • The regimen was generally well tolerated
  • In April, Targovax initiated the first clinical trial with TG02, the second product from its RAS-peptide immunotherapy platform, in patients with locally recurrent RAS-mutated colorectal cancer
  • In May, Targovax recruited the first patient in its ONCOS-102 study in advanced or unresectable melanoma patients with progression following checkpoint inhibitor treatment

  

Finance

  • Targovax moved its share listing from Oslo Axess to the main board on the Oslo Stock Exchange in March
  • Targovax successfully completed a private placement, raising gross proceeds of NOK 200m (USD 25m)
  • Erik Digman Wiklund was appointed CFO of Targovax, succeeding Øystein Soug, who was promoted to CEO in November 2016. Erik took on the role in April 2017

 

POST-PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS

  • In July, Targovax raised NOK 6.4m (USD 0.8m) in a subsequent repair offering following the private placement in June

 

About Targovax:

Arming the patient’s immune system to fight cancer

 Targovax is a clinical stage company focused on developing and commercializing novel immuno-oncology therapies to target, primarily, treatment-resistant solid tumors. Immuno-oncology is currently one of the fastest growing therapeutic fields in medicine.

The Company’s development pipeline is based on two novel proprietary platforms:

The first platform, ONCOS, uses oncolytic viruses as potential multi-target, neo-antigen therapeutic cancer vaccines. ONCOS exclusively uses an adenovirus that has been engineered to be an immune activator that selectively targets cancer cells. In phase I studies it has demonstrated immune activation at lesional level which was associated with clinical benefit. In an ongoing phase I trial in advanced melanoma we expect important proof of concept data for checkpoint inhibitor refractory patients.

The second, TG, is a target specific, neo-antigen therapeutic cancer vaccine platform that solely targets tumors that express mutated forms of the RAS protein. Mutations to this protein are common in many cancers and are known to drive aggressive disease progression and treatment resistance. There is a high unmet medical need for therapies that are effective against tumors that express these mutations. The TG platform’s therapeutic potential stems from its ability to enable a patient’s immune system to identify and then destroy tumors bearing any RAS mutations. In early 2017, key proof of concept data for the TG platform from a clinical trial of TG01 in resected pancreatic cancer patients showed encouraging overall survival and will give guidance for the future clinical development of this platform.

Targovax’s development pipeline has three novel therapeutic candidates in clinical development covering six indications. 

Both platforms are protected by an extensive portfolio of IP and know-how and have the potential to yield multiple product candidates in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, Targovax has other products in early stages of development.

In July 2016, the Company listed its shares on Oslo Axess. In March 2017, the shares moved to Oslo Børs, the main Oslo Stock Exchange.

www.targovax.com

Source: Targovax

Photocure with revenue growth of 55% in the US

Our portfolio company Photocure reports a Hexvix/Cysview revenue growth of 10% to NOK 37.6 million in the second quarter of 2017 . The company reported a revenue growth of 55% for the important US market, were Photocure recently has announced several significant developments.

 

“Our second quarter report shows significant progress for our US business. US is a market of strategic importance for Photocure and we were delighted to present in May positive results from our Phase 3 study in the bladder cancer surveillance setting at the AUA meeting. These data formed the basis for our recent sNDA filing aimed at expanding the label for BLC with Cysview in the US to include the broader surveillance segment. Furthermore, after the quarter, we were very pleased to learn that CMS proposes to reimburse Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview from 2018, with a final decision expected later this year. We and our supporters have worked tirelessly to secure better reimbursement for Cysview in US and believe it will lead to increased access and allow better management for bladder cancer patients in the future,” says Kjetil Hestdal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Photocure.

Photocure reported total group revenues of NOK 39.3 million in the second quarter of 2017 (35.5), with a recurring EBITDA of NOK -4.4 million (-2.3). Net profit was NOK -4.7 million (18.1), while the cash position ended at NOK 137.0 million. Global in-market unit sales of Hexvix/Cysview decreased 2% in the second quarter, impacted by a reduction of the partner business of 6% in the quarter. The sales development in the US was strong with a unit sales increase of 37%. The EBITDA for the Hexvix/Cysview commercial franchise ended at NOK 4.7 million in the second quarter of 2017.Photocure has built considerable experience in the urology sector through its Hexvix/Cysview franchise and sees significant long-term value creation potential in this market segment.

The company aims to capitalize on the inclusion in the AUA guidelines, as well as the increased patient awareness and the possible changes to reimbursement of Cysview, to significantly increase penetration in the US market.Photocure reported in the second quarter that the Phase 3 study of Hexvix/Cysview in the surveillance patient segment met its primary endpoint and other major endpoints. Based on this, the company has submitted an sNDA to the US FDA, with a possible approval in 2018, for use of Blue Light Flexible Cystoscopy with Cysview in this out-patient surveillance setting.CMS (United States Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) released in July the Proposed Rule outlining its 2018 plan to reimburse hospital outpatients departments using Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview. The comment period for the proposed rule closes in early September, and CMS is expected to issue a Final Rule in the fourth quarter of 2017 effective on 1 January 2018.

“Photocure believes that in order to increase market shares in the US, an investment in the US salesforce is required. As stated previously, the company plans to double its salesforce from 2016 and increase sales and marketing expenses towards the end of 2017. The goal of these efforts is to quadruple the revenues from the US operations to a range of USD 15 million by 2020. The company is fully funded for this market strategy”, says Hestdal.

Source: Photocure

Nordic Nanovector on track to start PARADIGME

Our portfolio company Nordic Nanovector reports that all operations are on track, strong data presented at ICML confirm Betalutin®’s promising efficacy and safety profile in recurrent iNHL patients and pivotal Phase 2 study, PARADIGME will start in 2H 2017.

 

 

Nordic Nanovector reported continued solid operational progress during the second quarter, with very encouraging clinical results from the ongoing Phase 1/2 study with Betalutin® presented at the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in June.

These results continue to highlight the significant potential of single dose Betalutin® for the treatment of recurrent indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (iNHL) and provide confidence that the company is on track to initiate the pivotal Phase 2 study, PARADIGME, in the second half of 2017. A phase 1 dose-escalation study in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is actively enrolling patients, and initial preparations for Phase 2 combination study of Betalutin® and rituximab as well as a Phase 1 study of Humalutin™ in iNHL patients are progressing.

 “We are very pleased with progress made during the first half of 2017 and we continue to be very encouraged by the strong data presented at ICML in June, which support Betalutin®’s potential in the treatment of patients with iNHL. The team has worked hard to lay a strong foundation for a busy and exciting second half to the year, when we anticipate initiating several new clinical studies, including the Phase 2 PARADIGME study,” comments Luigi Costa, CEO of Nordic Nanovector.

 

Operational Highlights Q2’17

• Progress continues as planned towards start of the pivotal Phase 2 study, PARADIGME in 2H 2017, to investigate Betalutin® in patients with relapsed FL

• Results presented at ICML in June highlight strong clinical profile of single dose Betalutin® in recurrent iNHL patients
o Single dose Betalutin® is highly active in recurrent iNHL, especially in FL
o Well-tolerated, no unexpected safety findings, predictable and manageable safety profile

• Safety Review Committee recommends enrolling new patients into a Phase 2 expansion cohort of Arm 4
o To validate whether a higher lilotomab pre-dosing regimen may enable the use of a higher dose of Betalutin®

• Recruitment of DLBCL patients into Phase 1 dose-escalation study with Betalutin® ongoing
o The study is actively enrolling patients in the US and Europe

• Preparations advancing for Phase 2 clinical trial to investigate the potential of Betalutin® combined with rituximab in 2nd line FL
o Phase 2 trial expected to begin in 2H 2017

• Preparations advancing for Phase 1 clinical study to investigate potential of Humalutin™ for treating 1st line NHL
o Phase 1 trial expected to begin in 2H 2017

 

Events after Q2’17

• Dr. Reza Safaei, former Head of Medical Affairs, Europe with Seattle Genetics, appointed as Head of Medical Affairs

 

Financial Highlights Second Quarter 2017
(Figures in brackets = same period 2016 unless otherwise stated)
• Revenues for the second quarter amounted to NOK 0.1 million (NOK 0.1 million). Revenues for the first half of 2017 were NOK 0.1 million (NOK 0.2 million).
• Total operating expenses for the second quarter were NOK 76.3 million (NOK 48.1 million). Total operating expenses for the first half of 2017 amounted to NOK 142.1 million (NOK 100.9 million)
• Comprehensive loss for the second quarter amounted to NOK 66.3 million (loss of NOK 51.1 million). Comprehensive loss for the first half was NOK 122.1 million (NOK 115.2 million)
• Cash and cash equivalents amounted to NOK 881.4 million at the end of June 2017 (NOK 933.3 million at 31 March 2017 and NOK 1 018.2 million at 31 December 2016)

 

Outlook
Nordic Nanovector aspires to become a leader in the field of targeted therapies for haematological cancers. It intends to achieve this by developing, manufacturing and commercialising innovative therapies to address major unmet medical needs and advance cancer care.

Nordic Nanovector’s operations remain on track. The company intends to maximise the value of Betalutin® across all stages of NHL and other haematological cancer indications. The company has made initial steps in preparing for the commercialisation of Betalutin®. A further element of Nordic Nanovector’s strategy is to selectively extend its pipeline of novel targeted biopharmaceutical candidates to support future growth.

The profile of Betalutin® is well differentiated within the competitive landscape. Promising preliminary results and good progress in the LYMRIT 37-01 clinical study give the company confidence that it is on track to initiate the pivotal Phase 2 PARADIGME trial during the second half of 2017. Management will continue to focus its efforts on the efficient execution of its plans and to meet clinical milestones.

Current cash resources are expected to be sufficient to take the company beyond a first regulatory submission for Betalutin® in FL in the first half of 2019 and to meet value-generating clinical milestones in its other programmes.

 

About Nordic Nanovector:
Nordic Nanovector is committed to develop and deliver innovative therapies to patients to address major unmet medical needs and advance cancer care. The company aspires to become a leader in the development of targeted therapies for haematological cancers.

Nordic Nanovector’s lead clinical-stage candidate is Betalutin®, a novel CD37-targeting Antibody-Radionuclide-Conjugate (ARC) designed to advance the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). NHL is an indication with substantial unmet medical need, representing a growing market forecast to be worth nearly USD 20 billion by 2024.

The Company aims to rapidly develop Betalutin®, alone and in combination with other therapies, for the treatment of major types of NHL, targeting first regulatory submission in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma in 1H 2019. Nordic Nanovector intends to retain marketing rights and to actively participate in the commercialisation of Betalutin® in core markets.

The Company is also advancing a pipeline of ARCs and other immunotherapies for multiple cancer indications.

Further information about the Company can be found at www.nordicnanovector.com

 

 

Nordic Nanovector: Results from first quarter 2017

Our portfolio company Nordic Nanovector shows  continued progress in clinical development programmes with Betalutin® in their first quarter 2017 presentation. 

Luigi Costa, CEO of Nordic Nanovector, comments: “In the first quarter of 2017 we continued the positive momentum of 2016. I am pleased to report the excellent progress Nordic Nanovector is making to advance its clinical development programmes with Betalutin® in FL and now in DLBCL. We are also excited at the prospect of starting new clinical trials later in the year, which potentially could significantly expand the market opportunities for our novel ARCs.”

Nordic Nanovector reported continued operational progress during the first quarter. The Phase 1/2 clinical trial with Betalutin® in relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (iNHL) advanced according to schedule. Safety Review Committee (SRC)’s approval of continued clinical evaluation of 20 MBq/kg Betalutin® with 100 mg/m2 lilotomab enables the company to build a robust database of clinical data. Management is confident on plans to initiate the pivotal Phase 2 PARADIGME study in the second half of 2017. The first patient was dosed in a Phase 1 dose-escalation study of Betalutin® in relapsed refractory DLBCL. The company also made the decision to expand investigations of its ARC therapeutics with initial preparations underway for a Phase 2 combination study of Betalutin® and rituximab, and a Phase 1 study of Humalutin™, a chimeric anti-CD37 Antibody Radionuclide Conjugate (ARC). Both studies are expected to start during the second half of 2017.

Please read the full press release and report here.

 

Photocure: Results for the first quarter 2017

Our portfolio company Photocure reported a Hexvix/Cysview revenue growth of 9% to NOK 36.5 million in the first quarter of 2017 (Q1 2016: NOK 33.5), with an EBITDA of NOK 4.9 million for the Hexvix/Cysview commercial franchise. The company reported a growth of 32% for the important US market, were the company recently unveiled the new growth strategy towards 2020.

“Hexvix/Cysview delivered strong growth in major markets, outside the Nordic regions, during the first quarter. In particular, we saw good momentum in the US, driven by strong demand for Cysview. As planned, we are increasing our investments in sales and marketing in the US in order to drive further awareness for Cysview and growth in the region,” says Kjetil Hestdal, president and CEO.

Full report and presentation may be found here.

Targovax ASA: First quarter 2017 results

Targovax is a clinical stage company focused on developing immuno-oncology therapies to target solid tumors. On april 25th, the company announced its first quarter 2017 results.

 
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2017:

  • Targovax announced encouraging top line two-year survival data from the phase I/II TG01 clinical trial in resected pancreatic cancer patients – 68%[1] of evaluated patients (13/19) were still alive after two years
  • Erik Digman Wiklund was appointed CFO of Targovax, taking over from Øystein Soug, who was promoted last year to CEO. Erik took on the role post-period in April 2017
  • Targovax upgraded its share listing from Oslo Axess to Oslo Børs, the main Oslo Stock Exchange

 

POST-PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS

  • Targovax was accepted to present clinical data from its phase I/II TG01 clinical trial in resected pancreatic cancer patients at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois in June
  • Targovax initiated an exploratory Phase Ib clinical trial of TG02 in patients with locally recurrent RAS-mutated rectal cancer scheduled to have surgery

Øystein Soug, CEO said: “2017 is looking to be a transformational year for Targovax. In the first quarter we reached a central value inflection point when we announced encouraging top-line survival data from our phase I/II TG01 trial in resected pancreatic cancer patients. We will be presenting survival, safety and immune activation data from this study in a poster presentation at the ASCO Annual Meeting in June. During the quarter we were pleased to appoint Erik Digman Wiklund as CFO, who joins us from Aker BioMarine Antarctic. This quarter our listing was upgraded to Oslo Børs, the main board at the Oslo Stock Exchange – another exciting milestone for the company.”

For more information: www.targovax.com

 

OncoImmunity wins prestigious EU grant

OncoImmunity AS was ranked fourth out of 250 applicants for the EU SME Instrument grant.

OncoImmunity is one of the portfolio companies of the Radium Hospital Research Foundation and is developing innovative software solutions to guide the discovery of neoantigen-based personalized immunotherapies and biomarkers.

We applied for the SME instrument grant as it represents an ideal vehicle for funding groundbreaking and innovative projects with a strong commercial focus. The call matched our ambition to position OncoImmunity as the leading supplier of neoantigen identification software in the personalised cancer vaccine market”, says Dr. Richard Stratford, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of OncoImmunity.

Read more bout the grant they received here on Oslo Cancer Cluster´s website and more about the company here on the company website.

 

 

Targovax ASA: Fourth quarter and full year 2016 results

Our portfolio company Targovax ASA has announced its fourth quarter and full year 2016 results. Targovax is a clinical stage company focused on developing immuno-oncology therapies to target solid tumors,

Highlights:

  • Targovax was granted a European Patent for the ONCOS platform lead product, ONCOS-102, extending patent coverage following the award of a similar US patent in June. These patents expire in 2029
  • Øystein Soug was appointed as CEO on 1 November
  • Targovax presented at a number of scientific and investor conferences in the period, including the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy in October in Florence, Biotech and Money in November in London, and the DNB Nordic Healthcare Conference in December in Oslo
  • Net loss for the fourth quarter 2016 was NOK 32 million (USD 4 million), compared with a net loss of NOK 44 million (USD 5 million) in corresponding quarter in 2015
  • Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2016 was NOK 172 million (USD 20 million) vs NOK 193 million (USD 24 million) at 30 September 2016

Subsequent events:

  • Targovax announced encouraging top line two-year survival data from TG01 clinical trial in resected pancreatic cancer patients
  • Erik Digman Wiklund was appointed CFO of Targovax, succeeding Øystein Soug, the Company’s new CEO, and will take up this role in April 2017

 

Øystein Soug, CEO said: “2016 was a successful year for Targovax. During the year we listed our shares on Oslo Axess, we successfully raised funds to finance the clinical trial program and we were granted European and US patents for ONCOS-102, extending the protection till 2029. Furthermore, in 2016 we prepared and set up five new clinical trials in five indications. 2017 will be an even more important year as we start harvesting the data from these trials. We have already generated good momentum as we recently announced encouraging overall survival data in our TG01 proof of concept trial. We also expect to start a proof of concept trial of ONCOS-102 in checkpoint inhibitor refractory melanoma, where key interim data are expected later in the year.”

 

Photcure with full year report

Radforsk porfolio company Photocure reported a revenue growth of 10 % to NOK 38.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 (Q4 2015: NOK 34.5), with an EBITDA of NOK 10.7 million for the Hexvix/Cysview commercial franchise. 

“2016 was a positive year for Photocure as we continued to build momentum in the US with Cysview. A significant milestone was reached by the inclusion and recommendations of Cysview in National treatment guidelines in the US. In addition, several papers including strong new clinical evidence supporting the use of Hexvix/Cysview were published during 2016. These events, together with the increase in installed base of Blue Light enabled Cystoscopes in the US and a higher level of patient awareness, provide us with confidence that our planned increase in investment in the US commercial urology franchise will create value for our shareholders in the future. Lastly, we are also looking forward to receiving results from our expanded use Phase 3 study in the US with the Karl Storz flexible scope in the surveillance setting in the middle of the year.” said Kjetil Hestdal, President and CEO.

Photocure reported total revenues of NOK 38.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 (34.5), with an EBITDA of NOK -0.3 million (-8.7). Net profit was NOK 17.9 million (-9.4), while the cash position ended at NOK 169.2 million. Hexvix/Cysview revenues grew 13% for the full year but declined 5% in the fourth quarter mainly due to inventory reductions at distributors, as well as a negative impact from foreign exchange rates. In-market unit sales increased with 3% in the quarter.

“Photocure has built considerable experience in the urology sector through its Hexvix/Cysview franchise and sees significant long-term value creation potential in this market segment. The company has over the last years experienced a strong and growing penetration of Hexvix in key European markets and aims to capitalize on the inclusion in the AUA guidelines as well as the increased patient awareness to significantly increase penetration in the US market. Photocure does however believe that in order to increase market shares in the US to European levels, an investment in the US salesforce is required,” said Hestdal.

The company will therefore double its salesforce and increase sales and marketing expenses accordingly towards the end of 2017. The company believes these efforts will result in revenues from the US operations to quadruple to a range of USD 15 million by 2020.

“As a result of the increased activity level, the added operating expenses will contribute to an EBITDA decline for the group in 2017 and 2018. Photocure is fully funded for this market strategy. Photocure has also completed enrollment in its Phase 3 study of Hexvix/Cysview in the surveillance patient segment and expect to report clinical results in mid-2017. The company will then submit an sNDA to the US FDA, with a possible approval in 2018 for use of Blue Light Flexible Cystoscopy with Cysview in this setting,“ Hestdal concludes.

Photocure is continuing its discussions and due diligence processes with potential partners to establish strategic partnerships for its non-urology products, Visonac and Cevira.

Please find the full financial report and presentation enclosed.

 

Oncoinvent closes $ 25 Million Private Placement

Our portfolio company Oncoinvent announced today the closing of a 210 MNOK (approx. 25 MUSD) private placement of ordinary shares. Financing will support development of Radspherin™, a novel radiotherapeutic treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Large privately owned investment companies joining the Company as new investors include Geveran Trading Co. Ltd., Canica AS, CGS Holding AS, Helene Sundt AS and Must Invest AS. Oncoinvent AS is developing therapeutics to combat various cancers based on delivery of tumour-cell killing doses of radiation and/or immunotargeting of tumor cells.

“We are pleased at the response that we have received from the investment community regarding our private placement. The round was heavily oversubscribed. With this financing round we now have, in addition to the new funding, a shareholder base in the company that will enable Oncoinvent to bring Radspherin™ to a clinical proof of concept.” said Jan A. Alfheim, Oncoinvent’s CEO.

 

About Radspherin™
Radspherin™ is a novel alpha-emitting radioactive microsphere designed for treatment of metastatic cancers in body cavities. The radium based therapeutic, Radspherin™ has shown strong and consistent anticancer activity without any visible signs of product related toxicity in preclinical studies. It is anticipated that the product can potentially treat several forms of metastatic cancer.

The first clinical indication for Radspherin™ will be treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis originating from ovarian cancer. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is one of the most serious complications of gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies.

About Oncoinvent
Oncoinvent AS is a privately held Norwegian company based in Oslo, Norway. The company is committed to developing new innovative products in order to provide better treatment options to cancer patients.

The company’s founders started Oncoinvent in 2010 with a view to designing better cancer treatments by applying known physical and chemical principles of selected novel materials in new ways in order to maximize their medical benefit while minimizing potential safety concerns. This approach has allowed the company to develop a rich development pipeline and to explore multiple technological avenues before selecting a lead product candidate for preclinical testing.

www.oncoinvent.com