Idera Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
– IMO 2125 Translational Data Update at
– Completes Public Offering, extends runway into second quarter 2019 –
Since
Presentations/Publications:
- Submitted and gained acceptance of an abstract for oral presentation of updated translational data from the ongoing IMO-2125 Phase 2 clinical trial at the
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)’s 32nd Annual Meeting. The data will be presented by lead trial investigator,Cara Haymaker , Ph.D. ofMD Anderson Cancer Center at4:45 PM EST onSaturday, November 11 , 2017. The conference is being held inNational Harbor , MD,November 8 th through the 12th. - Presented updated clinical data from the ongoing Phase 2 trial of IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab in metastatic melanoma patients refractory to anti-PD-1 treatment at the
European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017Congress :
- 9 patients were treated at the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) of 8 mg IMO-2125 (in combination with ipilimumab);
- Confirmed RECIST v1.1 responses (including 1 Complete Response (CR) ≥ 1 year) were observed in 4 of these 9 subjects (44%);
- Overall 6 patients out of 9 treated at the RP2D (67%) experienced disease control (CR, Partial Response (PR), or durable stable disease);
- A RECIST v1.1 PR of > 1 year duration is ongoing in a patient treated with IMO-2125 4 mg (in combination with ipilimumab);
- IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab is tolerable at all dose levels studied;
- IMO-2125 was safely administered via deep injection (using interventional radiology guidance) in patients lacking superficially accessible disease for injection, and;
- Dose escalation with IMO-2125 and pembrolizumab is ongoing; one patient has an ongoing PR by RECIST (v1.1).
Clinical Trial Activities:
- Expanded planned enrollment of the Phase 2 portion of the clinical trial of 8 mg intratumoral IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab in anti-PD-1 refractory melanoma;
- Up to 60 patients planned for evaluation; and
- Rolling data updates anticipated throughout 2018; - Phase 3 trial of IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab in PD-1 refractory melanoma initiation planned for first quarter of 2018;
- Continued enrollment into the dose escalation cohorts of the pembrolizumab combination arm of the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of intratumoral IMO-2125 in anti-PD-1 refractory metastatic melanoma;
- Continued enrollment into the Phase 1 clinical trial of intratumoral IMO-2125 monotherapy in multiple tumor types;
- Completed enrollment in the Phase 2 trial of IMO-8400 in dermatomyositis. Clinical data results from this trial expected in the second quarter of 2018; and
- Continued all pre-clinical and IND-enabling activities for IDRA-008, Idera’s first clinical candidate from the Company’s Third Generation Antisense (3GA) technology platform, with expected IND filing and initiation of human proof-of-concept clinical trial in the first half of 2018.
“Our number one mission at Idera is to develop solutions for patients suffering from diseases without good options. The responses that have been experienced so far in the development of IMO-2125 and the impact that can have on those patients is incredibly humbling to us and inspiring to our entire organization,” stated
Research and Development Program Updates
IMO-2125 and IMO-8400 are the Company’s lead clinical development drug candidates. IMO-2125 is an oligonucleotide-based agonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9. IMO-8400 is an oligonucleotide-based antagonist of TLRs 7, 8, and 9. The Company also announced, in early 2017, the selection of the first development target from its proprietary 3GA technology platform. The Company plans to take the first 3GA candidate (IDRA-008) into human proof of concept studies in 2018.
Toll-like Receptor (TLR) Agonism
Immuno-Oncology Program
Idera’s development program in immuno-oncology is based on the rationale that intratumoral injections of IMO-2125, a TLR9 agonist, will activate dendritic cells and modulate the tumor microenvironment to potentiate the anti-tumor activity of checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapies. This rationale is supported by both pre-clinical data in multiple tumor types as well as emerging clinical results and translational research from ongoing trials.
Idera is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial of intratumoral IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA4 antibody, and in a separate arm exploring the combination of intratumoral IMO-2125 with pembrolizumab, an anti-PD1 antibody. The Phase 1 dose exploration portion of the trial was conducted at the
Additionally, during the first half of this year, the Company initiated a multi-center clinical trial of intratumoral IMO-2125 monotherapy in multiple tumor types, including melanoma. The purpose of this trial is to demonstrate the activity of single-agent IMO-2125 for regulatory filing purposes as well as to direct further clinical development in tumor types beyond refractory melanoma. Enrollment in this trial is underway.
Lastly, the Company has engaged in discussions with regulatory authorities regarding the path to registration for IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab in anti-PD-1 refractory metastatic melanoma patients. IMO-2125 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation from the
Toll-like Receptor (TLR) Antagonism
Dermatomyositis Clinical Development Program
In late 2015, Idera announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of IMO-8400 in patients with dermatomyositis, a rare, auto-immune condition, which negatively affects skin and in many cases also results in debilitating muscle weakness. TLRs have been understood to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
The Company has completed enrollment into this trial and expects to present results during the second quarter of 2018.
Third Generation Antisense Platform (3GA)
Idera’s proprietary third-generation antisense (3GA) platform technology is focused on silencing the mRNA associated with disease causing genes. Idera has designed 3GA oligonucleotides to overcome specific challenges associated with earlier generation antisense technologies and RNAi technologies such as immunotoxicities and less than optimal therapeutic index.
Over the past several years, Idera’s research organization has generated 22 unique compounds developed to target specific genes across a wide variety of therapeutic areas such as rare diseases, oncology, autoimmune disorders, metabolic conditions and diseases driven by a single point mutation. The Company is currently conducting activities ranging from cell culture through IND-enabling toxicology. The current portfolio is designed to create both internal development candidates as well as partnering opportunities for disease areas outside of Idera’s stated focus. In January of 2017, Idera announced selection of its first internal candidate (IDRA- 008) to enter clinical development. Idera has selected a well-established liver target, with available, validated pre-clinical animal models, well-understood clinical endpoints, which has the potential for both rare and broader disease applications. Idera is currently performing the required IND-enabling toxicology for this clinical development candidate and expects to file the IND and enter the clinic in 2018.
Additionally, the first partnering endeavor is demonstrated through Idera’s collaboration with GSK to develop an undisclosed 3GA gene target for certain renal conditions. Idera and GSK entered into the collaboration in late 2015 and GSK’s current plan is to reach selection of a clinical development candidate in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Financial Results
Third Quarter Results
Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the three months ended
As of
About
Harnessing the approach of the earliest researchers in immunotherapy and the Company’s vast experience in developing proprietary immunology platforms, Idera’s lead development program is focused on priming the immune system to play a more powerful role in fighting cancer, ultimately increasing the number of people who can benefit from immunotherapy. Idera continues to invest in research and development, and is committed to working with investigators and partners who share the common goal of addressing the unmet needs of patients suffering from rare, life-threatening diseases. To learn more about Idera, visit www.iderapharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this press release, including statements regarding the Company's strategy, future operations, collaborations, intellectual property, cash resources, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, clinical trials, plans, and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "may," "could," "should," "potential," "likely," "projects," "continue," "will," and "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Idera cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Idera's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by its forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include: whether the Company’s cash resources will be sufficient to fund the Company’s continuing operations and the further development of the Company’s programs for the period anticipated; whether interim results from a clinical trial, such as the preliminary results reported in this release, will be predictive of the final results of the trial; whether results obtained in preclinical studies and clinical trials such as the results described in this release will be indicative of the results that will be generated in future clinical trials, including in clinical trials in different disease indications; whether products based on Idera's technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process when anticipated or at all or warrant submission for regulatory approval; whether such products will receive approval from the
Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
Alliance Revenue | $ | 164 | $ | 323 | $ | 729 | $ | 918 | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Research and Development | 10,912 | 9,393 | 40,288 | 28,817 | |||||||||||
General and Administrative | 3,919 | 3,907 | 11,888 | 11,601 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 14,831 | 13,300 | 52,176 | 40,418 | |||||||||||
Loss from Operations | (14,667 | ) | (12,977 | ) | (51,447 | ) | (39,500 | ) | |||||||
Other Income (Expense), Net | 137 | 74 | 389 | 289 | |||||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (14,530 | ) | $ | (12,903 | ) | $ | (51,058 | ) | $ | (39,211 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted net loss per common share applicable to common stockholders | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.32 | ) | |||
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per common share applicable to common stockholders | 149,638 | 121,389 | 149,385 | 121,332 | |||||||||||
Condensed Balance Sheet Data
(In thousands)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments | $ | 65,341 | $ | 109,014 | ||
Other Assets | 5,408 | 4,217 | ||||
Total Assets | $ | 70,749 | $ | 113,231 | ||
Total Liabilities | $ | 8,669 | $ | 9,882 | ||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 62,080 | 103,349 | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 70,749 | $ | 113,231 | ||
Source:
IDERA PHARMACEUTICALS Contact:
VP, Investor Relations
Phone (617) 679-5515
rdoody@iderapharma.com
Source: Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.