Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NewLink Genetics Corporation Provides Operational Update and Reports Second Quarter 2015 Financial Results
-Management to Host Conference Call Today at 8:30 a.m. ET-
AMES, Iowa - July 31, 2015 -- NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ: NLNK), a biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing and commercializing novel immuno-oncology product candidates to improve the lives of patients with cancer, today reported consolidated financial results for the second quarter of 2015 and progress in its clinical and business development programs.
“NewLink Genetics continues to drive forward, and to execute on, its strategy of developing treatment options for patients with cancer using targeted immune response and disruptive checkpoint blockade,” said Dr. Charles Link, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We have seven product candidates across multiple cancer types in clinical development from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Our combined platform of product candidates positions us well to execute on our vision of combining cancer vaccines and checkpoint blockade inhibitors through our HyperAcute® Immunotherapy and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway inhibitor platforms.”
“During the second quarter, we continued our planned hiring and pre-commercial activities relating to our HyperAcute Immunotherapy algenpantucel-L, which is being studied for adjuvant treatment of patients with surgically resected pancreatic cancer,” said Dr. Nicholas Vahanian, President and Chief Medical Officer.
The Company continued to build its presence with key opinion leaders by having a booth and poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The poster (#2070) highlighted encouraging results of the Phase 1b portion of a study showing that the combination of indoximod and temozolomide in temozolomide-refractory patients with progressive or refractory glioblastoma was well tolerated, with preliminary evidence of efficacy. Enrollment of the Phase 2 portion of the study is underway.
In addition, the Company hosted its first-ever analyst day on July 14, outlining its vision and execution plans surrounding its clinical programs. A webcast of the Company’s presentations can be found at http://media.rampard.com/20150714/reg.jsp.
Program Updates:
HyperAcute® Immunotherapy Cancer Programs
NewLink Genetics’ proprietary HyperAcute Immunotherapy programs may prove to have broad potential for patients across a spectrum of cancer indications, including use in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
Exhibit 99.1
NewLink Genetics has multiple HyperAcute Immunotherapy programs in various stages of clinical development, including for pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, renal cell cancer and prostate cancer.
| • | Algenpantucel-L is NewLink Genetics’ HyperAcute Immunotherapy pancreatic cancer candidate in a Phase 3 clinical trial called IMPRESS, or IMmunotherapy for Pancreatic RESsectable Cancer Study. During the second quarter, following the second interim analysis of the study, the Company announced the recommendation of the data safety monitoring committee to proceed without modification to final analysis. The Company has announced that at the time of the second interim analysis, the estimated blended median overall survival in the trial from the time of randomization was 28.5 months for all patients. Median time from surgery to randomization was approximately 1.5 months. Therefore median survival from surgery was estimated to be approximately 30 months for all patients in our study. We believe that the median months of overall survival from randomization in the control arm is in the low twenties. The study is powered to show an improvement in overall survival after 442 events. |
| • | PILLAR, or Pancreatic Immunotherapy with Algenpantucel-L for Locally Advanced Non-Resectable Disease, is our Phase 3 clinical trial studying the efficacy of algenpantucel-L in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. We expect to complete enrollment in this study during 2015. |
| • | NewLink Genetics’ HyperAcute Immunotherapy product candidate tergenpumatucel-L is being tested versus docetaxel in a randomized Phase 2b study in patients with advanced lung cancer. We are currently enrolling patients in this study. |
| • | HyperAcute Immunotherapy product candidate dorgenmeltucel-L for patients with melanoma is being evaluated in a randomized Phase 2 study in combination with the checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab versus these checkpoint inhibitors alone. |
IDO Pathway Inhibitor Programs
NewLink Genetics' proprietary IDO pathway inhibitor, indoximod, is in multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of patients with breast, prostate, pancreatic and brain cancers as well as melanoma. We expect to complete enrollment of the following studies with indoximod within the next 12-15 months.
| • | NLG2101, a global randomized Phase 2 trial testing indoximod in combination with docetaxel or paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer, is expected to fully enroll by the end of 2015. NewLink Genetics intends to present preliminary data from this study at an upcoming medical meeting in 2015. |
| • | NLG2102 is a Phase 2 trial of the combination of indoximod and temozolomide in refractory or relapsed glioblastoma multiforme patients. |
| • | NLG2103 is a Phase 2 trial testing indoximod in combination with the checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab, nivolumab or pembrolizumab in patients with advanced melanoma. We expect to report top-line Phase 1b results at the Immunotherapy in Cancer Poster Session of the ESMO/ECC meeting in Vienna on Saturday, September 26 (#248, abstract 514). |
| • | NLG2104 is in a Phase 1b/2 trial testing indoximod in combination with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Top-line Phase 1b results are expected in 2016. |
NewLink Genetics has also entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, for the development of the IDO inhibitor GDC-0919.
Exhibit 99.1
Based on pre-clinical data presented at ASCO by our partner, GDC-0919 demonstrated decreases in plasma kynurenine levels and regulatory T-cells as well as an anti-tumor efficacy when combined with anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4. This product candidate is currently in Phase 1 clinical development in patients with advanced solid tumors, and Phase 1 data on GDC-0919 is expected to be presented in a poster presentation at the ESMO/ECC meeting in Vienna on Sunday, September 27 (#157, abstract 346). In addition, a Phase 1 clinical trial, with a planned enrollment target of 224 patients, will study GDC-0919 in combination with Genentech’s PD-L1 inhibitor MPDL3280A for patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. An additional study is planned for GDC-0919 in combination with an OX40 inhibitor.
Financial Results for the Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2015
Cash Position: NewLink Genetics ended the quarter on June 30, 2015, with cash and equivalents totaling $207.6 million, compared to $202.8 million for the year ending December 31, 2014.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2015 were $16.1 million, compared to $6.5 million during the comparable period in 2014. The increase is primarily due to clinical trial expenses related to NewLink Genetics’ broad pipeline of product candidates, as well as expenses for manufacturing and research related to the Ebola vaccine candidate. Most of the Ebola-related expenses are subject to reimbursement under government contracts.
Net Income/Loss: NewLink Genetics reported a net loss of $14.1 million, or ($0.49) per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015, compared to a net loss of $9.2 million, or ($0.33) per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2014.
NewLink Genetics ended the quarter with 28,661,588 shares outstanding.
Financial Guidance
NewLink Genetics expects to have more than $160 million in cash and equivalents on December 31, 2015.
“Our research and development expenses and capital expenditures continue to reflect our commitment to developing a broad pipeline of drug candidates and to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to support the commercialization and manufacturing of algenpantucel-L,” said Jack Henneman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We will continue to make significant investments for the remainder of 2015 to support these efforts.”
Conference Call
The Company has scheduled a conference call for 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss these results and to provide an update on clinical and business development activities. NewLink Genetics’ senior management team will host the conference call, which will be open to all listeners. There will also be a question and answer session following the prepared remarks. Access to the live call is available by dialing (855) 469-0612 (U.S.) or (484) 756-4268 (international) five minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S.) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and using the passcode 94565879. The replay will be available for two weeks from the date of the call.
About NewLink Genetics Corporation
NewLink Genetics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel immunotherapeutic products to improve treatment options for patients with cancer. NewLink Genetics’
Exhibit 99.1
portfolio includes biologic and small-molecule immunotherapy product candidates intended to treat a wide range of oncology indications. NewLink Genetics’ product candidates are designed to harness multiple components of the immune system to combat cancer without significant incremental toxicity, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatment regimens.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements of NewLink that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seek” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about NewLink Genetics’ financial guidance for 2015; enrollment in or results of its clinical trials for product candidates; its timing of release of data from ongoing clinical studies; its plans related to moving additional indications into clinical development; NewLink Genetics’ future financial performance, results of operations, cash position and sufficiency of capital resources to fund its operating requirements; and any other statements other than statements of historical fact. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that NewLink makes due to a number of important factors, including those risks discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in NewLink Genetics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The forward-looking statements in this press release represent NewLink's views as of the date of this press release. NewLink anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while it may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing NewLink Genetics’ views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
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Corporate Contact:
Jack Henneman
Chief Financial Officer, NewLink Genetics
515-598-2561
Investor@linkp.com
Investors:
Donna LaVoie
LaVoieHealthScience
617-374-8800, ext. 107
dlavoie@lavoiehealthscience.com
Media:
David Connolly
LaVoieHealthScience
617-374-8800, ext. 108
dconnolly@lavoiehealthscience.com
Exhibit 99.1
| NewLink Genetics Corporation | |||||||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
| Grant revenue | $ | 3,280 | $ | 212 | $ | 12,929 | $ | 546 | |||||||
| Licensing and collaboration revenue | 4,165 | — | 33,711 | — | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | 7,445 | 212 | 46,640 | 546 | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 16,130 | 6,475 | 34,111 | 12,863 | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 7,257 | 2,863 | 15,623 | 6,114 | |||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (15,942 | ) | (9,126 | ) | (3,094 | ) | (18,431 | ) | |||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 22 | (38 | ) | 33 | 32 | ||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | (15,920 | ) | (9,164 | ) | (3,061 | ) | (18,399 | ) | |||||||
| Income tax benefit | 1,829 | — | 160 | — | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (14,091 | ) | $ | (9,164 | ) | $ | (2,901 | ) | $ | (18,399 | ) | |||
| Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | (0.49 | ) | $ | (0.33 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | |||
| Basic and diluted average shares outstanding | 28,661,588 | 27,876,652 | 28,408,474 | 27,742,029 | |||||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
| NewLink Genetics Corporation | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||
| (In thousands, except share and per share data) | |||||||
| Year Ended | |||||||
| June 30, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and certificates of deposit | $ | 207,579 | $ | 202,797 | |||
| Prepaid expenses, advance payments to vendors and other current assets | 24,354 | 12,062 | |||||
| Income tax receivable | 2,519 | 15,604 | |||||
| Total current assets | 234,452 | 230,463 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 8,798 | 7,599 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 243,250 | $ | 238,062 | |||
| Liabilities and Equity | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 7,428 | $ | 11,779 | |||
| Unearned revenue | 936 | 12,966 | |||||
| Other current liabilities | 672 | 276 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 9,036 | 25,021 | |||||
| Long-term liabilities: | |||||||
| Royalty obligation payable | 6,000 | 6,000 | |||||
| Notes payable and obligations under capital leases | 450 | 941 | |||||
| Deferred rent | 1,196 | 1,238 | |||||
| Unearned revenue, excluding current portion | 809 | 1,085 | |||||
| Total long-term liabilities | 8,455 | 9,264 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 17,491 | 34,285 | |||||
| Stockholder's equity: | |||||||
| Common stock | 287 | 280 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital, net | 262,055 | 236,838 | |||||
| Treasury stock, at cost | (551 | ) | (222 | ) | |||
| Retained deficit | (36,032 | ) | (33,119 | ) | |||
| Total equity | 225,759 | 203,777 | |||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 243,250 | $ | 238,062 | |||