First Biologics License Application (BLA) Submission Completed in
Commercial Readiness Activities on track to Support Potential Commercial Launch of Lifileucel in 2023
Recent and First Quarter 2023 Highlights and Corporate Updates
Acquisition of Proleukin®
- Under a definitive agreement between
Iovance and Clinigen Limited , Iovance will acquire worldwide rights to Proleukin® (aldesleukin), an interleukin-2 (IL-2) product with uses that include administration following TIL infusion to promote T-cell activity. Iovance expects the benefits of this transaction to include immediate and future revenue, securing the IL-2 supply chain and logistics surrounding TIL therapy administration, and lower cost of goods and clinical trial expenses for Proleukin® used with TIL therapies. The closing of this transaction is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2023, when all closing conditions and required regulatory approvals are achieved.
Iovance TIL Therapy (Lifileucel) in Advanced Melanoma
- Regulatory highlights:
- A rolling BLA submission for lifileucel in post-anti-PD-1 advanced (metastatic or unresectable) melanoma was completed in
March 2023 . - Site activation commenced for the randomized, registrational Phase 3 global TILVANCE-301 trial to support accelerated and full approvals of lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab in frontline advanced melanoma in the
U.S. ,Europe ,Australia and other regions. TILVANCE-301, which is also a confirmatory trial to support full approval of lifileucel in post-anti-PD-1 advanced melanoma, is expected to be well underway at the time of potential accelerated approval for lifileucel in this initial indication.
- A rolling BLA submission for lifileucel in post-anti-PD-1 advanced (metastatic or unresectable) melanoma was completed in
- IOV-COM-202 (Cohort 1A) trial results in frontline advanced melanoma:
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January 2023 corporate update highlighted results from nearly 20 patients treated with lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab in Cohort 1A. The results remained consistent with previously reported efficacy and safety data, including a robust 67% ORR and durability of response in 12 patients, and continue to support the frontline melanoma opportunity for lifileucel. Study enrollment remains ongoing.
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Manufacturing and Commercial Preparations
- To date, more than 600 patients have been treated with Iovance TIL therapy manufactured using proprietary Iovance processes, with a manufacturing success rate of more than 90%.
The Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC) is currently manufacturing TIL therapies for clinical trials while executing activities to support BLA review, including pre-approval inspection readiness, in preparation for initiating commercial supply.- The iCTC facility as currently built has annual capacity to supply TIL therapies for 2,000+ patients, with available shell space that can be built to supply TIL therapies for 5,000+ patients from this facility. Contract manufacturers provide additional flexibility and capacity for Iovance to meet potential commercial and clinical demand.
- Iovance is executing several initiatives ahead of potential commercialization, including on-boarding and personnel training at Authorized Treatment Centers (ATCs), education and awareness, and other commercial launch readiness activities.
Clinical Pipeline
- Iovance TIL (LN-145) monotherapy in second or third line metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC):
- Enrollment is ongoing at more than 40 active clinical sites in the
U.S. ,Canada andEurope for the IOV-LUN-202 trial of LN-145 in patients with mNSCLC who have progressed on or after frontline chemo- and anti-PD1-therapy. - Iovance is engaged in discussions with the FDA about the potential for IOV-LUN-202 to serve as a registrational trial for LN-145 in second/third line mNSCLC and intends to execute an updated regulatory strategy based on this dialogue and feedback.
- Enrollment is ongoing at more than 40 active clinical sites in the
- Iovance TIL (LN-145) in combination with anti-PD-1 in earlier line mNSCLC:
- Iovance reported positive initial results from Cohort 3A of the IOV-COM-202 clinical trial that explores the combination of TIL therapy (LN-145) and pembrolizumab as therapy for ICI naïve mNSCLC patients. The confirmed ORR by RECIST 1.1 was 47% (n=8/17), with responses observed across PD-L1 negative and positive patients.
- Cohort 3A enrollment remains ongoing and presentation of detailed results is expected at a medical meeting in the second half of 2023.
- A meeting with the FDA is planned in 2023 to discuss Cohort 3A results and a potential registrational trial of lifileucel in frontline advanced NSCLC.
- Iovance PD-1 inactivated TIL therapy (IOV-4001) in previously treated advanced melanoma or mNSCLC: The ongoing IOV-GM1-201 trial of Iovance’s first genetically modified TIL therapy, IOV-4001, is among the first clinical trials of a genetically modified TIL cell therapy for solid tumors.
- Lifileucel in advanced cervical cancer: Additional patients continued to enroll in pivotal Cohort 2 in the ongoing C-145-04 trial to support a BLA in cervical cancer following progression on or after chemotherapy and pembrolizumab.
Research Programs for Next-Generation TIL Therapies and Related Technologies
- Additional programs using the gene editing TALEN® technology are on track to enter clinical development in 2024, including genetically modified TIL therapy with multiple inactivated checkpoint targets.
- Additional research and preclinical studies are exploring approaches to increase TIL potency using CD39/69 double negative TILs and stable gene incorporation enhancements such as tethered cytokines.
- A novel interleukin-2 (IL-2) analog (IOV-3001) is in IND-enabling studies supporting its use as part of the TIL treatment regimen following TIL infusion.
Corporate Updates
- As of
March 31, 2023 , Iovance’s cash position is approximately$632.7 million , which includes net proceeds from an at-the market (ATM) equity financing facility of approximately$260.1 million raised during the first quarter of 2023. This cash position is expected to fund the previously disclosed acquisition of Proleukin® and Iovance’s operating plan into the second half of 2024. - Iovance currently owns more than 60 granted or allowed
U.S. and international patents for TIL compositions and methods of treatment and manufacturing in a broad range of cancers, with Gen 2 patent rights expected to provide exclusivity into 2038. More information on Iovance’s patent portfolio is available on the Intellectual Property page on www.iovance.com.
- Iovance will present the following posters at ASCO 2023:
- Abstract #TPS9607: A phase 3 study (TILVANCE-301) to assess the efficacy and safety of lifileucel, an autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy, in combination with pembrolizumab compared with pembrolizumab alone in patients with untreated unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Poster Session:
June 3, 2023 ,1:15 PM-4:15 PM CT - Abstract #2542: Effect of a novel expansion process on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) polyfunctionality, cytotoxicity, and expansion, while preserving cells in a less differentiated and more stem-like phenotype. Poster Session:
June 3, 2023 ,8:00 AM-11:00 AM CT
- Abstract #TPS9607: A phase 3 study (TILVANCE-301) to assess the efficacy and safety of lifileucel, an autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy, in combination with pembrolizumab compared with pembrolizumab alone in patients with untreated unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Poster Session:
First Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Iovance had $632.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, investments and restricted cash at
Net loss for the first quarter ended
Research and development expenses were $82.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $14.4 million compared to $68.3 million for the first quarter of 2022. The increase in research and development expenses in the first quarter 2023 over the prior year period was primarily attributable to growth of the internal research and development team, as well as clinical trial costs, manufacturing costs to support commercial manufacturing readiness, and facility-related costs, which were partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses were $28.1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $4.7 million compared to $23.4 million for the first quarter of 2022. The increase in general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year period was primarily attributable to growth of the internal general and administrative and commercial teams in preparation for launch, fees to support the Proleukin acquisition, as well as costs associated with pre-commercial activities, which were partially offset by lower stock-based compensation and marketing expenses.
For additional information, please see the Company’s Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations below.
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About Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements” of
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited) |
||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments | $ | 626,292 | $ | 471,845 | ||
Restricted cash | $ | 6,430 | $ | 6,430 | ||
Total assets | $ | 824,767 | $ | 663,982 | ||
Stockholders' equity | $ | 666,881 | $ | 499,638 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share information)
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Costs and expenses* | ||||||||
Research and development | $ | 82,734 | $ | 68,300 | ||||
General and administrative | 28,122 | 23,413 | ||||||
Total costs and expenses | 110,856 | 91,713 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (110,856 | ) | (91,713 | ) | ||||
Other income | ||||||||
Interest income, net | 3,486 | 106 | ||||||
Net Loss | $ | (107,370 | ) | $ | (91,607 | ) | ||
Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock, Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.50 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | ||
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding, Basic and Diluted | 213,694 | 157,113 | ||||||
*Includes stock-based compensation as follows: | ||||||||
Research and development | $ | 8,859 | $ | 13,651 | ||||
General and administrative | 6,806 | 8,614 | ||||||
Total costs and expenses | $ | 15,665 | $ | 22,265 |
CONTACTS
SVP, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
650-260-7120 ext. 264
Sara.Pellegrino@iovance.com
Director, Investor Relations & Public Relations
267-485-3119
Jen.Saunders@iovance.com
Source: Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.