- 2008 revenue expected to grow to $160 million or more, up from $42
million in 2007 -
- First HGS product sales expected with delivery of ABthrax(TM) to
Strategic National Stockpile -
- First Albuferon(R) Phase 3 data expected late 2008 -
- Enrollment completed in randomized Phase 2 trial of HGS-ETR1 in multiple
myeloma -
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Human Genome
Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) today announced financial results for the
quarter and full year ended December 31, 2007, and provided highlights of
recent progress toward commercialization.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010612/HGSLOGO )
"2007 was a year of execution for HGS, during which we delivered
substantial progress toward the commercialization of our late-stage
products. We are poised to achieve a number of major milestones in 2008
across our entire portfolio," said H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief
Executive Officer, HGS. "We expect our first product sales later this year
when we begin to deliver ABthrax to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile,
and our cash position remains strong. We expect to have our first Phase 3
data for Albuferon late this year, and we will complete enrollment in the
Phase 3 trials of LymphoStat-B(R) by fall 2008. We also believe it is
possible that GSK will reach decisions in 2008 regarding whether to advance
darapladib and Syncria to Phase 3 development."
FINANCIAL RESULTS: CASH POSITION REMAINS STRONG
HGS reported increased revenues of $41.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, compared with revenues of $25.8 million for 2006.
Revenues for 2007 included $28.0 million recognized from the Albuferon
agreement with Novartis and $6.5 million recognized from the
LymphoStat-B(R) agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
The Company reported a net loss for 2007 of $262.4 million ($1.95 per
share), compared with a net loss of $251.2 million ($1.91 per share) for
2006. The 2007 net loss included $16.9 million ($0.13 per share) in
expenses related to the licensing and collaboration agreement entered into
with Aegera Therapeutics Inc. in December 2007.
Including $20 million paid to Aegera Therapeutics, net cash burn for
2007 totaled $179.9 million, compared with $121.3 million in 2006.
Excluding the payments to Aegera Therapeutics, the Company's net cash burn
for 2007 was in line with previous guidance. The increase in net cash burn
also reflected increased clinical development costs related to the
Company's Phase 3 programs.
As of December 31, 2007, cash and investments totaled $603.8 million,
of which $532.9 million was unrestricted and available for operations. This
compares with cash and investments totaling $763.1 million as of the end of
2006, of which $701.9 million was unrestricted and available for
operations.
"Tight spending control, increased revenues and clinical development
cost- sharing all played important roles in keeping net cash burn to a
minimum in 2007," said Tim Barabe, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. "We will continue this emphasis in 2008."
For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2007, HGS reported revenues
of $12.5 million, compared with revenues of $10.0 million for the same
period in 2006. Fourth quarter 2007 revenues included $8.9 million
recognized from the Albuferon agreement with Novartis, and $1.6 million
recognized from the LymphoStat-B agreement with GSK.
The Company's net loss in the fourth quarter of 2007 was $92.9 million
($0.69 per share), compared with a net loss of $66.9 million ($0.50 per
share) in the fourth quarter of 2006. The fourth quarter 2007 net loss
included $16.9 million ($0.13 per share) in expenses related to the
licensing and collaboration agreement entered into with Aegera
Therapeutics.
HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT PROGRESS
Albuferon(R): On Track with Timeline to Phase 3 Data and Filing of
Marketing Applications
On November 1, 2007, HGS announced that it completed enrollment ahead
of schedule in ACHIEVE 2/3, the second of two pivotal Phase 3 clinical
trials of Albuferon (albinterferon alfa-2b) in combination with ribavirin
in treatment- naive patients with chronic hepatitis C. Enrollment in
ACHIEVE 1 was also completed ahead of schedule, in August 2007. Albuferon
is being developed by HGS and Novartis under an exclusive worldwide
co-development and commercialization agreement entered into in June 2006.
On January 23, 2008, HGS announced the modification of dosing in one
arm of each of its ACHIEVE clinical trials based on recommendations made by
the studies' independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC). Patients in the
Phase 3 trials who had been receiving the 1200-mcg dose are now receiving
the 900-mcg dose, which HGS has viewed for some time as the dose of
Albuferon most likely to be marketed. Consistent with its charter, the DMC
will continue to review all adverse events on an ongoing basis as the
ACHIEVE trials move forward.
The final results of Phase 2 trials of Albuferon were presented at the
annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
in November 2007. These results suggest that the 900-mcg dose of Albuferon
every two weeks demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to Pegasys,
with half the injections, improvements in quality of life and fewer missed
days of work on treatment. If these results are confirmed in Phase 3, HGS
believes that Albuferon could become the market-leading interferon for the
treatment of hepatitis C.
HGS and Novartis continue to expect to have the first Albuferon Phase 3
data available by late 2008, with all Phase 3 data available by spring 2009
to support the filing of global marketing authorization applications by
fall 2009.
LymphoStat-B(R): Completion of Phase 3 Enrollment Expected by Fall 2008
In November 2007, Phase 2 results through 2.5 years of LymphoStat-B
treatment were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of
Rheumatology. Based on these results, HGS believes that LymphoStat-B
(belimumab) could be a breakthrough treatment for systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE), assuming success in Phase 3. LymphoStat-B is being
developed by HGS and GSK under a co-development and commercialization
agreement entered into in August 2006.
Enrollment is progressing well in the pivotal Phase 3 trials of
LymphoStat-B in patients with active SLE. HGS expects to complete
enrollment of BLISS-76 and BLISS-52 by fall 2008, with Phase 3 data from
both trials expected in 2009.
ABthrax(TM): Manufacturing on Schedule to Begin Delivery Fall 2008
HGS reported in December 2007 that it has demonstrated a statistically
significant survival benefit for ABthrax (raxibacumab) in the treatment of
inhalation anthrax in two animal species, which is the requirement for
establishing the efficacy of new drugs used to counter bioterrorism.
ABthrax is being developed under a $165 million contract with the
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HGS has reached agreement
with the FDA on the regulatory pathway for ABthrax and plans to submit the
final data package to BARDA and FDA by mid-2008 to support authorization of
delivery to the Strategic National Stockpile. The Company is currently
manufacturing ABthrax on schedule to begin delivery of 20,000 doses to the
Stockpile by fall 2008.
Oncology Products: IAP Inhibitors Offer New Opportunities; Data from
HGS- ETR1 Phase 2 Multiple Myeloma Trial Expected by 3rd Quarter
In December 2007, HGS and Aegera Therapeutics Inc. completed a
licensing and collaboration agreement providing HGS with exclusive
worldwide rights (excluding Japan) to develop and commercialize HGS1029
(formerly AEG40826) and other small-molecule inhibitors of IAP (inhibitor
of apoptosis) proteins in oncology. Preclinical studies of HGS1029 in
combination with the Company's TRAIL receptor antibodies demonstrated
dramatic synergistic activity against a number of cancer types. HGS1029 has
also shown significant anti-tumor activity alone and in combination with
other agents in a broad range of cancers. HGS expects to initiate a Phase 1
clinical trial of HGS1029 in early 2008 and plans to develop its TRAIL
receptor antibodies and IAP inhibitors in combination with one another and
in combination with other therapeutic agents.
HGS has completed the enrollment and initial dosing of 105 patients in
a randomized Phase 2 trial of HGS-ETR1 in combination with Velcade
(bortezomib) in advanced multiple myeloma and expects to have data
available in the third quarter of 2008. In December 2007, HGS initiated
dosing of patients in a randomized trial of HGS-ETR1 in combination with
paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line therapy in advanced non-small cell
lung cancer.
PRODUCTS IN GSK PIPELINE: 2008 A PIVOTAL YEAR
Darapladib: Presentation of Phase 2 Results Expected; 2008 Phase 3
Decision Possible
In GSK's fourth quarter and full-year 2007 results press release on
February 7, 2008, GSK stated that the data from its randomized Phase 2
dose- ranging trial of darapladib in patients with coronary artery disease
will be presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in March
2008 - and that the results of GSK's randomized Phase 2/3 imaging trial of
darapladib in coronary artery disease have been submitted to a major
medical journal.
Darapladib was discovered by GSK based on HGS technology. It is a
small- molecule inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2
(Lp-PLA2), an enzyme associated with the formation of atherosclerotic
plaques and identified in clinical trials as an independent risk factor for
coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. GSK is developing darapladib as
a treatment for atherosclerosis, and it has the potential to be an
important treatment for the prevention of cardiovascular risk. HGS will
receive a 10% royalty on worldwide sales if darapladib is commercialized,
and also has a co-promotion option in North America and Europe, under which
it would pay 20% of commercialization costs in exchange for 20% of
darapladib profits. HGS believes it is possible that GSK will reach a
decision in 2008 regarding whether to advance darapladib to Phase 3
development.
Syncria(R): 2008 Phase 3 Decision Possible
In May 2007, GSK initiated a randomized Phase 2b dose-ranging clinical
trial of Syncria (albiglutide) in patients with type 2 diabetes. As a
comparison, one group of patients is receiving Byetta (exenatide).
Syncria is a novel long-acting form of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1)
created by HGS using its proprietary albumin-fusion technology. Syncria is
generated from the genetic fusion of human albumin and GLP-1, a peptide
hormone that acts throughout the body to help maintain normal blood sugar
levels and to control appetite. GSK is developing Syncria as a treatment
for type 2 diabetes mellitus. HGS is entitled to fees and milestone
payments, some of which have already been received, that could amount to as
much as $183 million, in addition to royalties on worldwide sales if
Syncria is commercialized. HGS believes it is possible that GSK will reach
a decision in 2008 regarding whether to advance Syncria to Phase 3
development.
HGS-XENCOR ANTIBODY COLLABORATION
On February 7, 2008, HGS and Xencor, Inc. announced a collaboration
agreement under which Xencor will apply its proprietary technologies to
enhance the pharmacologic properties of monoclonal antibodies developed by
HGS that specifically target antigens discovered by HGS. Under the terms of
the agreement, Xencor will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to
receive additional payments including development and commercial
milestones, and royalties on any products commercialized under the
agreement. HGS will be responsible for all preclinical and clinical
development, manufacturing and commercialization. Financial terms were not
disclosed. This agreement demonstrates the continuing HGS commitment to
targeted innovation based on HGS discoveries and the Company's extensive
intellectual property estate.
2008 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
HGS updated the financial guidance provided in early January:
-- HGS expects 2008 net cash burn of $135 million to $155 million.
-- Revenue is expected to increase from $42 million in 2007 to $160
million or higher in 2008, including $100 million to $120 million from
ABthrax product sales in late 2008.
-- HGS expects cash and investments at year-end 2008 to total $450 million
to $470 million, compared with $603.8 million at the end of 2007.
This guidance reflects $47.3 million received by HGS in February 2008
from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., in partial payment for the 13% of
CoGenesys, Inc. owned by HGS. HGS expects to receive an additional $5.3
million from this transaction in the first quarter of 2009.
CONFERENCE CALL
HGS management will hold a conference call to discuss this announcement
today at 4:30 PM Eastern time. Investors may listen to the call by dialing
888-221-9588 or 913-312-1469, passcode 4474660, five to 10 minutes before
the start of the call. A replay of the conference call will be available
within a few hours after the call ends. Investors may listen to the replay
by dialing 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820, confirmation code 4474660. Today's
conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed at
http://www.hgsi.com. Investors interested in listening to the live webcast
should log on before the conference call begins to download any software
required. Both the audio replay and the archive of the conference call
webcast will remain available for several days.
ABOUT HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES
The mission of HGS is to apply great science and great medicine to
bring innovative drugs to patients with unmet medical needs.
The HGS clinical development pipeline includes novel drugs to treat
hepatitis C, lupus, inhalation anthrax, cancer and other immune-mediated
diseases. The Company's primary focus is rapid progress toward the
commercialization of its two key lead drugs, Albuferon for hepatitis C and
LymphoStat-B (belimumab) for lupus. Phase 3 clinical trials of both drugs
are ongoing.
ABthrax (raxibacumab) is in late-stage development for the treatment of
inhalation anthrax, and the Company is on track to begin the delivery in
fall 2008 of 20,000 doses of ABthrax to the Strategic National Stockpile
under a contract entered into with the U.S. Government in June 2006. Other
HGS drugs in clinical development include two TRAIL receptor antibodies for
the treatment of cancer. HGS1029, a small-molecule antagonist of IAP
(inhibitor of apoptosis) proteins, is expected to enter Phase 1 clinical
trials for the treatment of cancer in early 2008. In addition, HGS has
substantial financial rights to certain products in the GlaxoSmithKline
clinical development pipeline.
For more information about HGS, please visit the Company's web site at
http://www.hgsi.com. Health professionals or patients interested in
clinical trials of HGS products may inquire via the "Contact Us" section of
the Company's web site, http://www.hgsi.com/products/request.html, or by
calling (301) 610-5790, extension 3550.
HGS, Human Genome Sciences, ABthrax, Albuferon and LymphoStat-B are
trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This announcement 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. The
forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences' current
intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of
future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that
are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these
forward-looking statements because of the Company's unproven business
model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of
clinical trials, the Company's ability to develop and commercialize
products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its
substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements
and costs associated with facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty
of patent and intellectual property protection, the Company's dependence on
key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of
products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks
described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. In addition, the Company will continue to face risks related to
animal and human testing, to the manufacture of ABthrax and to FDA
concurrence that ABthrax meets the requirements of the ABthrax contract. If
the Company is unable to meet the product requirements associated with the
ABthrax contract, the U.S. government will not be required to reimburse the
Company for the costs incurred or to purchase any ABthrax doses. Existing
and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date.
Human Genome Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the
information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new
information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
(See selected financial data on following pages)
HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
2007 2006 2007 2006
(dollars in thousands, except share and
per share amounts)
Revenue - R&D contracts $12,526 $10,011 $41,851 $25,755
Costs and expenses:
Research and development
(a) 87,312 48,527 245,745 209,242
General and administrative
(b) 16,125 13,959 55,874 53,101
Facility-related and
restructuring charges - 12,670 (3,673) 29,510
Total costs and
expenses 103,437 75,156 297,946 291,853
Income (loss) from
operations (90,911) (65,145) (256,095) (266,098)
Net investment income
(expense) (1,982) (1,799) (6,353) 166
Gain on sale of investment - - - 14,759
Income (loss) before taxes $(92,893) $(66,944) $(262,448) $(251,173)
Provision for income taxes - - - -
Net income (loss) $(92,893) $(66,944) $(262,448) $(251,173)
Net income (loss) per share,
basic and diluted $(0.69) $(0.50) $(1.95) $(1.91)
Weighted average shares
outstanding, basic &
diluted 134,669,590 132,953,759 134,333,418 131,815,414
(a) Includes stock-based compensation expense of $3,454 ($0.03 per
share) and $3,856 ($0.03 per share) for the three months ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Includes stock-based
compensation expense of $13,278 ($0.10 per share) and $16,337 ($0.13
per share) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. Includes expenses of $16,852 ($0.13 per share) for the
three and twelve months ended December 31, 2007 related to the
licensing and collaboration agreement entered into with Aegera
Therapeutics.
(b) Includes stock-based compensation expense of $1,807 ($0.02 per share)
and $2,683 ($0.02 per share) for the three months ended December 31,
2007 and 2006, respectively. Includes stock-based compensation
expense of $8,413 ($0.07 per share) and $10,270 ($0.08 per share) for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
As of As of
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and
investments ( c ) $603,840 $763,084
Total assets ( c ) 949,105 1,149,668
Total debt, less current portion 754,099 751,526
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) (11,902) 213,923
( c ) Includes $70,931 and $61,165 in restricted investments at December
31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
SOURCE Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.hgsi.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010612/HGSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/121115.html /
CONTACT:
Jerry Parrott, Vice President, Corporate
Communications, +1-301-315-2777 or Kate de Santis, Director,
Investor Relations, +1-301-251-6003, both of Human Genome
Sciences, Inc.
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