TESARO Announces Third-Quarter 2017 Operating Results


  • ZEJULA® was the most prescribed PARP inhibitor in U.S. with Q3 net sales of $39.4 million
  • Positive CHMP opinion issued for ZEJULA in E.U.; commercial launch anticipated to begin by year-end
  • Expansion of niraparib development program underway for multiple tumor types
  • VARUBI® IV approved by U.S. FDA; commercial launch planned for November
  • Phase 1 combination study of TSR-022 (anti-TIM-3) and TSR-042 (anti-PD-1) now enrolling patients
  • Phase 1 study of TSR-033 (anti-LAG-3) now enrolling patients

WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TESARO, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSRO), an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company, today reported operating results for third-quarter 2017 and provided an update on the Company's commercial products and development programs.

“Exiting the third quarter, ZEJULA achieved 60% market share of the ovarian cancer patient population treated with a PARP inhibitor. This is a result of our team’s solid execution, and is supported by the feedback from physicians and patients, which continues to be excellent with regards to the benefit ZEJULA provides for women living with ovarian cancer,” said Lonnie Moulder, CEO of TESARO. “Looking ahead, we are actively preparing for two additional product launches in 2017 — ZEJULA in Europe and VARUBI IV in the U.S. — and expanding our niraparib development programs to broaden its use with the PRIMA Phase 3 first line ovarian cancer study and the initiation of multiple combination studies in ovarian, lung, and breast cancer. We are rapidly advancing our pipeline of immuno-oncology candidates with three antibodies now in the clinic, and we are excited about the potential for the combination of TSR-022 and TSR-042 to meaningfully benefit patients with advanced solid tumors.”

Recent Business Highlights

  • On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the intravenous (IV) formulation of VARUBI® (rolapitant), and the U.S. commercial launch is planned for November. The unit demand for VARUBI oral capsules increased 74% for Q3 2017 vs. Q3 2016, as the brand continues to penetrate the U.S. oral NK-1 market.
  • ZEJULA® (niraparib) is the most prescribed PARP inhibitor in the U.S., with approximately 2,500 patients treated during the month of September.
  • The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion for ZEJULA as a monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) to platinum-based chemotherapy.
  • Pre-launch preparations continue in support of a European launch of ZEJULA by year-end 2017 beginning with Germany, pending European Commission approval.
  • The niraparib expanded access program (EAP) in Europe has enrolled more than 350 patients to date.
  • Clinical trials were initiated to support planned Phase 3 studies of niraparib combined with our anti-PD-1 antibody, TSR-042, in patients with lung and ovarian cancers and to evaluate niraparib plus TSR-042 in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers suitable for treatment with an anti-PD-1 antibody, including ovarian and lung.
  • Enrollment continues in the PRIMA trial of niraparib for patients with first-line ovarian cancer and the QUADRA trial of niraparib for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer who have received three or more prior lines of chemotherapy.
  • The Phase 2 TOPACIO trial of niraparib plus pembrolizumab is ongoing with additional data expected in 1H 2018. Preliminary Phase 2 data presented at ESMO showed activity in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
  • The Janssen GALAHAD Phase 2 efficacy and safety study of niraparib in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and DNA-repair anomalies is ongoing to support a planned regulatory submission in 2019.
  • Phase 1 data for TSR-042 (anti-PD-1 antibody) presented at ESMO demonstrated a predictable safety profile and clinical activity in heavily pre-treated patients. The GARNET registration trial of TSR-042 continues to enroll patients with metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cancers.
  • To support initiation of planned Phase 3 studies, a clinical study was initiated to evaluate TSR-042 in combination with carboplatin-paclitaxel in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer.
  • Enrollment continues in the Phase 1 AMBER combination study of TSR-022 (anti-TIM-3 antibody) plus TSR-042, and the Phase 1 CITRINO dose-escalation trial of TSR-033 (anti-LAG-3 antibody). Data from the monotherapy, dose-escalation portion of the AMBER trial of TSR-022 will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) annual meeting on November 10.

Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

TESARO reported total revenue of $142.8 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $17.0 million for the third quarter of 2016.

Net product revenue totaled $41.8 million for the third quarter of 2017, which included ZEJULA revenues of $39.4 million and VARUBI/VARUBY revenues of $2.4 million. This compares to net product revenue of $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2016.

License, collaboration, and other revenue totaled $101.0 million for the third quarter of 2017 and included the $100.0 million up-front payment received as part of the license agreement with Takeda. This compares to license, collaboration, and other revenue of $15.7 million for the third quarter of 2016, which included the majority of the $15.0 million up-front payment received as part of the Zai Lab license agreement.

Cost of sales totaled $7.5 million for the third quarter of 2017 and included $6.2 million associated with product revenue and $1.3 million related to amortization of milestones recorded upon FDA approval of ZEJULA and first commercial sales of VARUBI/VARUBY in the U.S. and Europe. Cost of sales totaled $0.8 million for the third quarter of 2016.

Research and development expenses increased to $73.4 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $60.8 million for the third quarter of 2016, driven primarily by increased headcount, the advancement of our earlier-stage immuno-oncology portfolio, and expansion of the TSR-042 and TSR-022 programs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $84.0 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $37.7 million for the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to increased headcount, activities in support of the launches of ZEJULA and VARUBY in the U.S. and Europe, and higher professional service fees.

Operating expenses as described above include total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $25.0 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $12.9 million for the third quarter of 2016.

Net loss totaled $25.3 million, or ($0.47) per share, for the third quarter of 2017, compared to a net loss of $87.9 million, or ($1.72) per share, for the third quarter of 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, TESARO had approximately $521.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately 54.4 million outstanding shares of common stock.

Corporate Objectives

TESARO intends to achieve the following key objectives:

Commercial Products:

  • Continue to execute on the ongoing U.S. launch of ZEJULA and solidify its position as the market-leading PARP inhibitor for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer;
  • Launch ZEJULA in Europe by year-end 2017, pending European Commission approval; and
  • Launch VARUBI IV in the U.S.

Pipeline Candidates:

  • Rapidly advance the GARNET registration trial of TSR-042 in MSI-H cancers, with the intent of supporting accelerated FDA approval;
  • Define the registration path in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and triple negative breast cancer in Q1 2018, pending data from TOPACIO trial;
  • Report initial data for the AMBER trial of TSR-022 in combination with TSR-042 in 2018;
  • Complete the dose escalation phase of the TSR-033 CITRINO trial and in early 2018 initiate a combination trial of TSR-033 plus TSR-042;
  • Initiate OVARIO, a Phase 2 clinical trial of niraparib in combination with bevacizumab in patients with first-line ovarian cancer by year end;
  • Initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of niraparib in combination with TSR-042 in first-line ovarian cancer in 1H 2018; and
  • Initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of niraparib in combination with TSR-042 in NSCLC in 2H 2018.

Today's Conference Call and Webcast
TESARO will host a conference call to discuss the Company's third quarter operating results and provide an update on the Company's commercial products and development programs today at 4:15 P.M. Eastern time. The accompanying slide presentation and live webcast of the conference call can be accessed by visiting the TESARO website at www.tesarobio.com. The call can be accessed by dialing (877) 853-5334 (U.S. and Canada) or (970) 315-0307 (international). A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company's website for 30 days following the call.

About ZEJULA (Niraparib)
ZEJULA (niraparib) is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor indicated for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.  In preclinical studies, ZEJULA concentrates in the tumor relative to plasma, delivering greater than 90% durable inhibition of PARP 1/2 and a persistent antitumor effect. Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including some fatal cases, was reported in patients treated with ZEJULA. Discontinue ZEJULA if MDS/AML is confirmed.  Hematologic adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia), as well as cardiovascular effects (hypertension and hypertensive crisis) have been reported in patients treated with ZEJULA. Monitor complete blood counts to detect hematologic adverse reactions, as well as to detect cardiovascular disorders, during treatment.  ZEJULA can cause fetal harm and females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception. Please see full prescribing information, including additional important safety information, available at www.zejula.com.

About VARUBI® (rolapitant)
VARUBI is a substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. NK-1 receptors are highly concentrated in the brain and bind neurokinin substance P.  Activation of NK-1 receptors plays a central role in nausea and vomiting induced by emetogenic stimuli, including certain cancer chemotherapies.  A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) study with rolapitant in normal, healthy volunteers demonstrated that rolapitant crosses the blood brain barrier and occupies brain NK-1 receptors at high levels for up to 120 hours. VARUBI has a half-life of approximately seven days, which may contribute to the ability of a single dose of VARUBI to cover the entire delayed CINV Phase (25-120 hours).  VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as thioridazine and pimozide. VARUBI can significantly increase the plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide, which may result in QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. VARUBI is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6 and significantly increases the plasma concentrations of CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days, with inhibitory effects expected to persist for an unknown duration.  Monitor for adverse reactions when VARUBI is co-administered with CYP2D6 substrates without a narrow therapeutic index (avoid co-administration with CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, thioridazine and pimozide; see Contraindication).  In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions reported were neutropenia, hiccups, decreased appetite and dizziness.  IV administration of VARUBI was also associated with infusion-related symptoms (e.g., sensation of warmth, abdominal pain, dizziness, and paresthesia). Avoid use of VARUBI in patients who require chronic administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin), as significantly reduced plasma concentrations of VARUBI can decrease the efficacy of VARUBI. Oral VARUBI is an inhibitor of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp).  Increased plasma concentrations of BCRP substrates (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) and P-gp substrates (e.g., digoxin) with a narrow therapeutic index may result in potential adverse reactions. Monitor digoxin concentrations with concomitant use of VARUBI, and adjust the dosage as needed to maintain therapeutic concentrations. Monitor INR and prothrombin time and adjust the dosage of warfarin, as needed, to maintain target INR. VARUBI is available by prescription only. Please see full prescribing information, including additional important safety information, available at www.varubirx.com.

About TESARO
TESARO is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company devoted to providing transformative therapies to people bravely facing cancer. For more information, visit www.tesarobio.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

TESARO Contacts:
Jennifer Davis
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
+1.781.325.1116 or jdavis@tesarobio.com

Kate Rausch
Associate Director, Investor Relations
+1.781.257.2505 or krausch@tesarobio.com

Forward Looking Statements
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not descriptions of historical facts regarding TESARO, they are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, among others, statements regarding the expected timing of the launch of VARUBI IV in the U.S., the expected timing of our planned commercial launch of ZEJULA in Europe, the design and expected timing of initiation and data from our various ongoing and planned niraparib, TSR-042, TSR-033, TSR-022, combination, and other clinical trials, and our expectation to achieve our various key corporate objectives. Forward-looking statements in this release involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our research and pre-clinical development programs, clinical development programs, future results, performance, or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others risks related to competition, the uncertainties inherent in the execution and completion of clinical trials, uncertainties surrounding the timing of availability of data from clinical trials, uncertainties surrounding our ongoing discussions with and potential actions by regulatory authorities, uncertainties regarding regulatory approvals, uncertainties regarding certain expenditures, risks related to manufacturing and supply, risks related to intellectual property, and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of our products and drug candidates. TESARO undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of the Company in general, see TESARO's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

 
TESARO, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
         
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2016   2017   2016   2017 
  (as revised)(1)   (as revised)(1)  
Revenues:        
Product revenue, net:        
ZEJULA®  $  -  $  39,375  $  -  $  65,321 
VARUBI®/VARUBY®     1,326     2,380     2,844     7,402 
Total product revenue, net    1,326     41,755     2,844     72,723 
License, collaboration and other revenues    15,661     101,011     50,253     102,580 
Total revenues    16,987     142,766     53,097     175,303 
         
Expenses:        
Cost of sales - product    378     6,216     691     10,280 
Cost of sales - intangible asset amortization    464     1,254     1,391     4,723 
Research and development (2)    60,783     73,388     163,630     210,910 
Selling, general and administrative (2)    37,685     83,998     104,052     246,239 
Acquired in-process research and development    1,940     -     9,940     7,000 
Total expenses    101,250     164,856     279,704     479,152 
Loss from operations    (84,263)    (22,090)    (226,607)    (303,849)
Interest and other income (expense), net    (3,587)    (3,048)    (11,377)    (9,941)
Loss before income taxes    (87,850)    (25,138)    (237,984)    (313,790)
Provision for income taxes    -     139     -     271 
Net loss $  (87,850) $  (25,277) $  (237,984) $  (314,061)
         
Net loss per share applicable to        
common stockholders - basic and diluted $  (1.72) $  (0.47) $  (5.17) $  (5.82)
         
Weighted-average number of common        
shares used in net loss per share applicable
to common stockholders - basic and diluted
    51,151     54,241     45,994     53,971 
         
         
(1) The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 effective January 1, 2017,
with full retrospective application to January 1, 2015.  Results for periods prior to January 1, 2017 have been revised accordingly.
         
(2) Expenses include the following amounts of non-cash stock-based compensation expense:    
         
Research and development $  5,605  $  8,545  $  13,826  $  23,532 
Selling, general and administrative    7,314     16,471     20,238     43,393 
                 

 

TESARO, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
         
      December 31,
2016
 September 30,
2017
      (as revised)(1)  
Assets        
Current assets:       
Cash and cash equivalents   $  785,877 $  521,265
Accounts receivable       6,195    27,680
Inventories        14,700    50,527
Other current assets       10,515    22,257
Total current assets       817,287    621,729
         
Intangible assets, net       12,877    43,155
Property and equipment, net      6,640    9,877
Restricted cash       1,694    2,521
Other assets        3,795    8,436
Total assets    $  842,293 $  685,718
         
Liabilities and stockholders' equity     
Current liabilities:       
Accounts payable    $  5,236 $  5,984
Accrued expenses       68,700    123,076
Deferred revenue, current      95    95
Other current liabilities       2,978    2,287
Total current liabilities       77,009    131,442
         
Convertible notes, net       131,775    140,362
Deferred revenue, non-current      305    235
Other non-current liabilities      5,086    6,318
Total liabilities       214,175    278,357
         
Total stockholders' equity       628,118    407,361
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $  842,293 $  685,718
     
(1) The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards
Update No. 2014-09 effective January 1, 2017, with full retrospective application to January 1,
2015.  Results for periods prior to January 1, 2017 have been revised accordingly.