Emergent Announces Initiation of a Phase 1b/2 Study of TRU-016 in Combination with Rituximab and Bendamustine in Subjects with Relapsed – Indolent Lymphoma
Aug/110
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug 17, 2011 –
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced the initiation of a Phase 1b/2 study (16011) of TRU-016 in combination with rituximab and bendamustine for patients with relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. TRU-016 is a CD37-directed Small Modular ImmunoPharmaceutical(TM) protein therapeutic in development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. TRU-016 is being developed in collaboration with Abbott.
“Although patients show a high rate of clinical response to first line therapies they often relapse and in many cases, develop a resistance to treatment,” said Dr. Scott Stromatt, Vice President of Clinical Research and Chief Medical Officer at Emergent BioSolutions. “Our preclinical studies show that when used together, TRU-016 and bendamustine resulted in increased anti-tumor activity beyond results achieved when either drug was administered alone. TRU-016 is also synergistic with rituximab in preclinical models. Based on these data, as well as data from our ongoing clinical studies of TRU-016 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, we believe that TRU-016 in combination with bendamustine and rituximab could produce meaningful results in patients with indolent NHL.”
The Phase 1b portion is a dose escalation study to determine the Phase 2 dose of TRU-016 given in combination with rituximab and bendamustine. In this portion of the trial, up to 12 patients will receive two dose levels of TRU-016 in combination with rituximab and bendamustine administered intravenously. The primary safety endpoint for the Phase 1b portion of the study is the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs).
The Phase 2 portion will be an expansion study of approximately 76 additional patients to examine the safety and efficacy of TRU-016 in combination with 375 mg/m2 of rituximab and 90 mg/m2 of bendamustine, versus bendamustine and rituximab. The primary efficacy endpoint for the Phase 2 portion of the study is complete response (CR) rate as determined by using the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TRU-016 will be studied in both phases of the study.
The total expected enrollment for both phases of this study is expected to be 88 patients, all of whom have a confirmed diagnosis of relapsed indolent B-cell lymphoma, and who have failed prior treatments. Study enrollment is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. Additional information about this Phase 1b/2 clinical study can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (protocol 16011).
About non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are approximately 65,980 cases of NHL diagnosed each year, with close to 30% of these cases resulting in death. NHL is a broad range of malignant lymphoid disorders that are categorized on the basis of aggressiveness and cell of origin. Indolent or slow-growing NHL causes few symptoms, particularly early in the natural history of the disease, making early detection difficult. The majority of patients with indolent NHL present with Stage III or IV disease. Most patients with NHL requiring treatment receive rituximab in combination with chemotherapy as initial treatment; however, many patients become refractory to both chemotherapy and rituximab.
About TRU-016
TRU-016 is a CD37-directed protein therapeutic in development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. TRU-016 is being developed in collaboration with Abbott. TRU-016 uses a different mechanism of action than currently marketed CD20-directed therapies. As a result, TRU-016 may provide patients with improved therapeutic options and enhance efficacy when used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or other immunotherapeutics. TRU-016 is currently in Phase 1b/2 development for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions, led by Chairman and CEO, Fuad El-Hibri, protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2011, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the success of our ongoing and planned preclinical studies and clinical trials; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Financial Results and Conduct a Conference Call on March 10, 2011
Feb/110
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb 24, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today it will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2010 on Thursday, March 10, 2011, after market close.
Company management will host a conference call at 5:00 pm Eastern on March 10, 2011 to discuss the financial results for the fourth quarter and full twelve months of 2010, recent business developments and the forecast for 2011. The conference call will be accessible by dialing 888/713-4205 or 617/213-4862 (international) and providing passcode 91804244. A webcast of the conference call will be accessible from the company’s website at www.emergentbiosolutions.com, under “Investors”.
Emergent BioSolutions is offering call participants a pre-registration option that expedites access to the call and minimizes hold times. Pre-registrants will be issued a pin number to be used when dialing into the live call which will provide quick access to the conference call by bypassing the operator upon connection. Pre-registration, while not mandatory, can be accessed using the following website: www.theconferencingservice.com/prereg/key.process?key=PWXFXF88Y.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible, approximately two hours following the conclusion of the call, by dialing 888/286-8010 or 617/801-6888 and using the passcode 77289976. The replay will be available through March 24, 2011. The webcast will be archived on the company’s website, www.emergentbiosolutions.com, under “Investors”.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions, led by Chairman and CEO Fuad El-Hibri, protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Presents Positive Data from Its TRU-016 Program at American Society of Hematology Meeting
Dec/100
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced the presentation of positive data from a Phase I dose escalation study of TRU-016 (Protocol 16007) at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Orlando, Florida. In an oral presentation given yesterday, results from the study show that TRU-016 demonstrates favorable response rates and is generally well-tolerated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). TRU-016 is Emergent’s humanized anti-CD37 small modular immunopharmaceutical (SMIP(TM)) candidate in development with Abbott for the treatment of B-cell malignancies such as CLL and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Data were presented during an oral presentation by Richard R. Furman, M.D., Director of the CLL Research Center at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. A copy of the presentation is available at www.truemergent.com/tru-016.
“Despite the many different therapies available for patients with CLL, almost all patients will relapse and die of their disease,” said Dr. Furman. “Novel agents that are more effective and better tolerated are needed to help transform CLL into a truly chronic condition. Of the therapeutics currently in development, targeting CD37 with TRU-016 appears to be among the most promising. TRU-016 is a potent inducer of apoptosis and Fc dependent cellular cytotoxicity of CLL cells. TRU-016’s favorable toxicity profile and preliminary evidence of efficacy in patients warrants further evaluation in combination with other agents.”
The objective of the ongoing open label Phase I study was to establish the maximum tolerated dose, overall safety and clinical activity of TRU-016 in patients with advanced CLL and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL). Data were presented on 57 patients who had a median of four previous therapies and a median of two prior anti-CD20 therapies. Of the 57 patients, 46% received their last treatment for CLL less than 6 months before entering the study. Genomic data were available for 53 patients, the majority of which (n=35) had high-risk genomic features for CLL, including del(17p) and/or del(11q).
Patients received one of nine intravenous doses ranging from 0.03 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg of TRU-016 once a week for a total of 4 to 12 doses (weekly cohort). A second dosing schedule evaluated treatment with 3 mg, 6 mg or 10 mg on days 1, 3 and 5 during the first week of therapy, followed by 3 to 11 weekly doses (TIW cohort). Dose escalation and de-escalation was based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) toxicity grades.
Pharmacokinetic data demonstrate rapid clearance of TRU-016 in the lower dose cohorts. Accumulation was seen in the 3mg/kg TIW and 6mg/kg weekly and higher cohorts. Patients in the 3 mg/kg TIW cohort (n=8) generally maintained serum concentrations of 10 g/ml during treatment. Partial response was observed in seven patients, including two patients with the del(17p) genomic risk factor. The median reduction in absolute lymphocyte count was 73% in those patients with lymphocytosis at baseline. The responses, all partial responses, were observed in patients who had received 1 – 2 prior therapies (n=16) for an overall response rate of 44% (n=7) with a median reduction in lymphocytes of 80% in this population. No responses were observed in patients who had received prior treatment with three or more therapies (n=41), although a median reduction in lymphocytes of 54% was observed in these patients. The median reduction in lymphocytes regardless of baseline lymphocyte count or the number of prior therapies was 60%.
The most commonly reported adverse events were nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, chills, pyrexia, and neutropenia. Serious adverse events occurring in more than one patient were pneumonia, febrile neutropenia, infusion reaction, pyrexia and dyspnea. A maximum tolerated dose has not yet been reached.
Additional data on Emergent’s TRU-016 and TRU-ADhanCe(TM) programs were presented at ASH:
#3931 TRU-016, An Anti-CD37 SMIPTM Biologic, In Combination with Other Therapeutic Drugs In Models of NHL;
#3098 CD37 Is a Potential Therapeutic Target for B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; and
#1847 GlycoVariant Anti-CD37 Small Modular Immuno-Pharmaceutical Exhibits Superior Natural Killer Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity Against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells at Low Concentrations and Low Antigen Density.
“Based on favorable results observed to date, Emergent and our development partner Abbott are in the process of initiating additional combination studies of TRU-016 in CLL and NHL,” said Dr. W. James Jackson, chief scientific officer at Emergent BioSolutions. “We remain hopeful that TRU-016 could play a meaningful role in improving disease outcomes and quality of life, either on its own or in combination with other therapies.”
About the Clinical Trial (Protocol 16007)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of TRU-016 in patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and to obtain an estimate of clinical activity in patients with CLL and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
This Phase I/Ib open-label study consists of two parts. The initial portion is a Phase I dose-escalation study evaluating the safety and tolerability of TRU-016 administered over a 4-week period to patients with relapsed CLL. It will identify the maximum tolerated dose and evaluate the pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of TRU-016. Upon demonstrating satisfactory safety and tolerability in the Phase I portion, a Phase Ib expansion cohort will be enrolled to further characterize the safety of the selected dose from the first stage of the study and to estimate the clinical activity of TRU-016 in patients with treatment-naive CLL, relapsed CLL and NHL.
About CLL
According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), there are approximately 85,710 people in the U.S. living with CLL, and more than 15,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Existing treatments for CLL have shown significant efficacy in treating indolent B-cell cancers. However, research suggests that many patients do not achieve an initial response and most eventually relapse, which suggests an acute need for differentiated treatments.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc., led by Chairman and CEO Fuad El-Hibri, is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology, and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2010, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the success of our ongoing and planned preclinical studies and clinical trials; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Fuad El-Hibri Recognized by Vilcek Foundation
Dec/100
The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The Foundation was established with the aim of raising public awareness around immigrants’ contributions to the sciences, arts, and culture in the United States. The Foundation’s mission was inspired by the couple’s careers in science and art, as well as their personal experiences and appreciation for the opportunities given to them as newcomers to the United States. The Foundation showcases immigrant artists and performers in their New York gallery, awards the annual Vilcek Prizes, and sponsors numerous events such as the Santa Fe Opera and Hawaii International Film Festival.
In the 2010 Spring newsletter, the Vilcek Foundation recognized Fuad El-Hibri, Chairman and CEO of Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. This is a summary of their report. The original can be found here:
http://www.vilcek.org/news_articles/newsletters/2010/spring/newsletter_spring2010.html
In addition to his accomplishments in the business world, El-Hibri founded the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation in 2001 in honor of his father, Ibrahim El-Hibri. The Foundation annually awards the El-Hibri Peace Education Prize to peace educators. It also funds other programs aligned with its four part mission statement promoting Peace Education, Interfaith Dialogue, Humanitarian Aid, and Social Justice.
El-Hibri credits much of his success in the business and philanthropic world to his immigrant background. He was raised in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East but always knew he wanted to attend college in the United States. After being accepted to Stanford that dream became a reality. After completing his undergraduate degree at Stanford he received his Master’s degree from Yale. This international background instilled in El-Hibri the desire to encourage dialogue between different cultures which in 2007 lead to the annual El-Hibri Prize for Peace Education.
“We are trying to get to the crucial goal of establishing a more evident culture of peace,” said Zen Hunter-Ishikawa, Vice President of Operations at El-Hibri Charitable Foundation. The Prize for Peace Educators awards individuals who have made major contributions to the field of peace education. Past winners of the prize include Scott Kennedy, former Mayor of Santa Cruz, California, and Abdul Aziz Said, professor at American University in Washington D.C.
“It’s taken some time to get organized,” said El-Hibri, “So it’s only been the last few years we’ve been able to focus on our programs. We hope to grow significantly over the years.”
Fuad El-Hibri and the International Biomedical Research Alliance
Nov/100
The International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA) is a philanthropic organization that is dedicated to the support of the NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, which strives to establish the highest standards of excellence in training biomedical researchers, advance groundbreaking biomedical research, enrich the pool of leaders in the field, and eliminate barriers which frustrate the transfer of a broad spectrum of knowledge to the next generation of researchers.
Along with colleagues from industry, education, and government, Fuad El-Hibri is a member of the IBRA Board of Directors. The Alliance helps provide opportunities for students to build and develop important elements of scientific leadership, giving students the opportunity to grow into exceptional biomedical research leaders. IBRA firmly believes in the ability of outstanding researchers to transform today’s promise of cures and treatments into available therapies, drugs and prevention measures that enhance the world’s health.
Since its inception in 2000, the Scholars program has recruited gifted, inquiring, creative and dedicated minds for a uniquely designed doctoral program of training and investigative, exploration to challenges some of the worlds greatest minds to achieve IBRA’s main goal to create the premier PhD and MD/PhD program.
Emergent BioSolutions Awarded HHS Contract Valued at up to $186.6 Million to Develop rPA Anthrax Vaccine
Sep/100
ROCKVILLE, MD, September 17, 2010 – Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it has signed a contract, valued at up to $186.6 million, with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the development of a recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine. This five year cost plus fixed fee development contract consists of a two-year base period of performance valued at approximately $51 million, three successive one-year option periods valued at approximately $126 million and funding for optional non-clinical studies valued at approximately $9 million.
“We applaud the U.S. Government’s commitment to the biodefense industry and to the development of additional medical countermeasures using multiple technologies and additional sites to address the acknowledged anthrax threat,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. “This award solidifies Emergent’s anthrax franchise and reaffirms our position as a leading supplier to, and developer for, the U.S. government of anthrax biomedical countermeasures. We are enthusiastic about the role we serve in addressing this need and in creating jobs and expanding economies within the local communities where we operate.”
Under the contract, the base value will fund activities related to process characterization and assay validation, as well as formulation and stability studies. Milestone-based options include completion of a Phase II clinical study and non-clinical efficacy studies, process validation, as well as consistency lot manufacture. Emergent has developed this comprehensive plan as a foundation to advance its rPA anthrax vaccine candidate in preparation for pivotal studies that would potentially lead to licensure application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The company anticipates recognizing revenues from this award in the fourth quarter of 2010 of approximately $2 million with no major impact on pretax earnings.
Emergent’s rPA anthrax vaccine candidate is a purified recombinant protective antigen protein formulated with an alum adjuvant and is designed to induce antibodies that neutralize anthrax toxins. It is based on the pioneering work of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and has been the subject of two research and development grants totaling approximately $100 million by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection. Emergent’s product pipeline targets infectious diseases and includes programs focused on anthrax, tuberculosis, typhoid, flu and chlamydia. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2010, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including our ability to win a procurement contract with the U.S. government for our recombinant protective antigen anthrax vaccine candidate; our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
Emergent BioSolutions Hosts Symposium for Biomedical Research Scholars
Aug/100
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today hosted “Looking Beyond the Bench,” a symposium organized for doctoral students enrolled in the NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. The symposium featured Emergent executives, who, based on their extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, provided insight on potential career paths awaiting biomedical researchers. The speakers highlighted examples of how a scientific background would interrelate with such disciplines as Grants and Contracts, Clinical Development, Intellectual Property, and Product Development.
The NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program (Scholars Program) was created in 2001 to revolutionize the way in which the most talented biomedical PhD and MD/PhD students are trained. Every pedagogical and logistical element of the Scholars Program was designed to produce scientists who will generate high-impact, breakthrough results at the speed at which science, government and industry must move to meet the demanding healthcare needs of a global population. The Scholars Program trains more “prestige” scholars (Rhodes, Marshall, Churchill, Gates, Howard Hughes Medical, Fulbright, and Goldwater) than any other program in the world. To date, the Scholars Program has produced 45 doctoral graduates and currently has 113 scholars enrolled.
“Emergent is pleased to welcome the future leaders in scientific research and discovery, who are already engaged in and contributing to public health improvement by exhibiting academic excellence,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions and member of the Alliance Board of Trustees. “We congratulate them for their exceptional talent, which brought them to the scholars program and which will guide them to its completion.”
“The Alliance is most grateful for Mr. El-Hibri’s private sector perspectives which have helped to shape the values, culture, goals and metrics of success of the Scholars Program,” said Ann Marie Drucker, Alliance President.
Over 35 scholars participated in the symposium and laboratory tour that was held at Emergent’s product development facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection. Emergent’s product pipeline targets infectious diseases and includes programs focused on anthrax, tuberculosis, typhoid, flu and chlamydia. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
About the International Biomedical Research Alliance
The International Biomedical Research Alliance (Alliance) was created in 2005 as a private, not-for-profit (501(c)(3) providing expertise and resources to assure the NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program’s financial viability and unwavering adherence to absolute standards of excellence, continuous innovation and dedication to accelerated discovery for generations to come. In pursuit of its mission, the Alliance provides philanthropic, scientific and industry resources dedicated to developing the NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program into the pre-eminent biomedical training pathway for leaders in the life sciences.
Colman McCarthy to Receive 2010 EL-HIBRI Peace Education Prize
Aug/100
August 17, 2010 — The El-Hibri Charitable Foundation announced today that prominent peace educator, nationally renowned columnist and accomplished author Colman McCarthy has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 El-Hibri Peace Education Prize. The Prize, which carries a monetary award of $15,000, is given annually by the foundation to honor an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the field of peace education. McCarthy’s selection was made by a committee of peace education experts chaired by Dr. Mubarak Awad, President of Nonviolence International.
“Colman McCarthy has dedicated his life to teaching young people the principles of peaceful conflict resolution,” noted Robert Buchanan, president of the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation. “His personal commitment and example, combined with his access to national media, have inspired countless individuals to incorporate the values of peace and nonviolence in their personal and professional lives. The El-Hibri Charitable Foundation is pleased to recognize Colman McCarthy for his tireless efforts on behalf of peace education.”
McCarthy was a columnist with The Washington Post from 1969 to 1997. He also wrote for The New Yorker, The Nation, and The Atlantic, among other publications, and has been a frequent guest on C-SPAN. In addition to his career in journalism, McCarthy has been teaching courses on nonviolence and peace studies for nearly thirty years at Washington, D.C. area schools, universities, and student leadership programs. In 1985, he founded and continues to lead the Center for Teaching Peace, a non-profit organization that works with schools and individuals around the world to initiate and expand academic programs in peace education.
McCarthy’s publications include “I’d Rather Teach Peace”, “All of One Peace” and “At Rest with the Animals”.He is also the editor of two anthologies of peace essays that are used as course texts in high schools and colleges: “Solutions to Violence” and “Strength Through Peace”.
The 2010 El-Hibri Peace Education Prize will be awarded to Colman McCarthy at a ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 25th at the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.
The El-Hibri Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit private foundation founded in 2001 and led by Fuad El-Hibri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.. The foundation seeks to build a better world by encouraging peace education, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian aid and social justice.The El-Hibri Peace Education Prize was initiated in 2007. Past Laureates include Abdul Aziz Said, founder of the Center for Global Peace at American University; Scott Kennedy, peace activist and co-founder of the Resource Center for Nonviolence; and Mary E. King,international educator,author and policy advisor.
For further information, visit http://www.elhibriprize.org
Emergent BioSolutions to Acquire Trubion Pharmaceuticals
Aug/100
- Trubion provides promising clinical-stage therapeutic candidates in the targeted disease areas of oncology and autoimmunity
- Trubion offers novel, protein therapeutic platforms and scientific expertise for developing innovative therapeutic candidates
- Transaction leverages large pharma partnerships to provide sales and marketing infrastructureidates
- Emergent reaffirms 2010 guidance for revenues and net income
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRBN) for upfront consideration of $96.8 million of value and up to $38.7 million of success-based milestones, resulting in a total consideration of up to $135.5 million. The acquisition will diversify Emergent’s product development pipeline with the addition of Trubion’s two clinical-stage product candidates focused on the targeted disease areas of oncology and autoimmunity. The acquisition also offers novel platforms, consisting of proprietary Small Modular Immunopharmaceutic (SMIPTM) and SCORPIONTM technologies, for developing additional innovative therapeutic candidates.
The acquisition of Trubion is expected to further Emergent’s position as a leading, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on the manufacture, development and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapeutics. Trubion’s clinical and preclinical stage programs, as well as its leading edge science, will expand Emergent’s product development pipeline and significantly broaden its antibody-based capabilities. Upon closing, the transaction is expected to provide approximately $20 million in cash, net of customary closing costs, and $70 million of net operating losses (NOLs) that are expected to be used over the next ten years.
Trubion’s development pipeline is comprised of two clinical-stage therapeutic candidates and multiple preclinical programs, including:
- a clinical-stage CD20 directed SMIP candidate (SBI-087) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Phase 2) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Phase 1/2) in partnership with Pfizer;
- a clinical-stage CD37 targeted SMIP candidate (TRU-016) for the treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (Phase 1/2), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Preclinical/Phase 1) in partnership with Abbott; and
- promising preclinical candidates based on the novel, proprietary SMIP and SCORPION platforms for the treatment of selected oncology and autoimmune diseases.
Fuad El-Hibri, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions, stated, “This acquisition strengthens Emergent’s biologics capabilities in two key aspects. First, it diversifies our product pipeline beyond infectious diseases into the two high growth areas of oncology and autoimmunity. And, second, it broadens our monoclonal antibody therapeutic capabilities. Emergent’s stable vaccine franchise, substantial capital resources, and expertise in manufacturing and product development combined with Trubion’s world-class therapeutic platform technologies and clinical-stage development programs should translate into significant value over the near and long term.”
Steven Gillis, Ph.D., executive chairman of the board of directors and acting president of Trubion, stated, “The acquisition of Trubion by Emergent should accelerate the continued development of our leading products and technologies. We believe the combination of Emergent’s strong financial position and expertise in development of biologics with Trubion’s innovative SMIP and SCORPION protein therapeutic product candidates and technologies will provide an efficient and effective development path for these promising products and technologies.”
Emergent will maintain research facilities in Seattle, Washington upon completion of the acquisition, and the location will become a therapeutics-focused product development site for the combined company. Taking this transaction into account, Emergent is reaffirming its annual 2010 forecast of $275 to $300 million in total revenues and $40 to $50 million in net income.
Terms of the Agreement
The transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the acquisition by stockholders of Trubion Pharmaceuticals and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
Under the terms of the agreement, each share of Trubion Pharmaceuticals common stock will be converted into the right to receive an upfront payment of $1.365 per share in cash and 0.1641 shares of Emergent BioSolutions common stock. The upfront payment represents a value of $4.55 per share, or approximately $96.8 million, based on Trubion’s total common shares outstanding, the net value of dilutive stock options, and the trading average of Emergent BioSolutions common stock for the five days prior to the signing of the definitive agreement. In the aggregate, Emergent will issue approximately 3,350,000 shares of its common stock as part of the upfront consideration, which after the closing of the merger will represent approximately 9.2% of Emergent’s total shares outstanding. Certain of these shares will be subject to lockup provisions. Trubion Pharmaceuticals stockholders will also receive one Contingent Value Right (CVR) per share, which will entitle the holders to receive cash payments based upon achievement of five predefined Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical study initiation milestones and one manufacturing-related milestone. The total potential aggregate value of the CVRs is $38.7 million over a 36-month period following the closing of the merger.
Details regarding the predefined milestones are as follows:
| Milestone Events | Applicable Payments |
| Initiation of the first Phase 2 clinical study for TRU-016 | $1.75 million |
| Release of TRU-016 manufactured for use in clinical studies | $10.0 million |
| Initiation of dosing in the first Phase 2 clinical study for a non-CD20 target | $0.75 million |
| Initiation of the first Phase 3 clinical study in oncology indication for TRU-016 | $15.0 million |
| Initiation of dosing in the first Phase 3 clinical study for the first major indication for CD20 candidate | $6.25 million |
| Initiation of dosing in the first Phase 3 clinical study for the second major indication for CD20 candidate | $5.0 million |
The acquisition of Trubion is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Conference Call and Webcast
Emergent hosted a conference call to discuss the acquisition of Trubion Pharmaceuticals on August 12, 2010 at 5:00 pm Eastern. A replay of the conference call is accessible by dialing 888/286-8010 or 617/801-6888 and using the passcode 48453582. The replay will be archived for an indefinite period on the company’s website, www.emergentbiosolutions.com, under “Investors”.
Advisors
Wedbush PacGrow Life Sciences is acting as financial advisor and Bingham McCutchen LLP is acting as legal advisor to Emergent BioSolutions for this transaction. MTS Health Partners, L.P. is acting as financial advisor and Fenwick & West LLP is acting as legal advisor to Trubion Pharmaceuticals.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax disease. Emergent’s product pipeline targets infectious diseases and includes programs focused on anthrax, tuberculosis, typhoid, flu and chlamydia. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication is being made in connection with the proposed merger (the “Merger”) among Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (”Emergent”), Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (”Trubion”) and certain of Emergent’s direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. Emergent intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4, which will contain a prospectus relating to the securities Emergent intends to issue in the proposed Merger. Trubion intends to file a preliminary proxy statement in connection with the proposed Merger and to mail a definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents to Trubion’s stockholders. Stockholders of Emergent and Trubion and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the registration statement and Trubion’s preliminary proxy statement, and amendments thereto, and definitive proxy statement in connection with Trubion’s solicitation of proxies for the special meeting to be held to approve the Merger because these documents will contain important information about Trubion, Emergent and the proposed Merger. The definitive proxy statement will be mailed to stockholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the Merger. Stockholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 2273 Research Boulevard, Suite 400, Rockville, Maryland 20850, or Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, 2401 4th Avenue, Suite 1050, Seattle, Washington, 98121.
Participants in Solicitation
Emergent, Trubion and their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Trubion’s stockholders. Information regarding Emergent’s directors and officers is available in Emergent’s proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of stockholders and its 2009 annual report on Form 10-K, which were filed with the SEC and are available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding Trubion’s directors and officers is available in Trubion’s proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of stockholders and its 2009 annual report on Form 10-K, which were filed with the SEC and are available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding Trubion’s directors and officers will also be contained in Trubion’s proxy statement in connection with the Merger when it becomes available. Emergent’s and Trubion’s stockholders may obtain additional information about the interests of Trubion’s directors and officers in the Merger by reading Trubion’s proxy statement when it becomes available.
Emergent BioSolutions Forward-Looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy and how the acquisition of Trubion will impact that strategy, the financial impact of the merger on Emergent’s 2010 forecast, the provision of expected cash and NOLs, the anticipated timing for the transaction and anticipated future operations, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the parties’ ability to consummate the transaction; the conditions to the completion of the transaction, including the effectiveness of Emergent’s registration statement on Form S-4 or the regulatory approvals required for the transaction may not be obtained on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule; and the parties’ ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and financial and tax treatments of the merger; the possibility that the parties may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the merger within the expected time-frames or at all and to successfully integrate Trubion’s operations into those of Emergent; such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; operating costs, partner loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, partners, licensors and others) may be greater than expected following the transaction; the retention of certain key employees of Trubion may be difficult; the parties are subject to intense competition and increased competition is expected in the future; the failure to protect either party’s intellectual property rights may weaken its competitive position; third parties may claim that either party’s products infringe their intellectual property rights; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of the parties’ products; the success of ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; the ability to identify and acquire or in license products and product candidates that satisfy Emergent’s selection criteria; the potential benefits of the parties existing collaboration agreements and the ability to enter into selective additional collaboration arrangements; the timing of and ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for other product candidates; commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; and other factors identified in Emergent’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Awarded HHS Contract Valued at Up to $107 Million to Develop Large-Scale Manufacturing for BioThrax
Jul/100
ROCKVILLE, Md., Jul 14, 2010
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it has signed a contract valued at up to $107 million with the Office of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to develop and obtain regulatory approval for large-scale manufacturing of BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) in Building 55. Building 55 is the company’s large-scale state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in Lansing, Michigan.
“In line with Emergent’s mission of protecting life, we are proud to be working with HHS to scale-up manufacturing of BioThrax, the only vaccine licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of anthrax infection,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. “We applaud HHS for its unwavering commitment to strengthen the country’s biodefense infrastructure and to protect our military and civilian populations.”
This cost plus fixed fee development contract has a total value of $107 million and consists of a two-year base period of performance valued at $54.6 million and three option years that, if exercised by BARDA, would increase the contract value to up to $107 million. Under the contract, the company anticipates recognizing revenues of up to $10 million and pretax earnings of up to $5 million during the second half of 2010. A substantial majority of the value of the $107 million contract will be realized in the first three years of performance (July 2010 to July 2013), assuming exercise of the first option year.
The contract award is based on a technical proposal provided to BARDA that projects an annual large-scale manufacturing capacity of 26 million doses in Building 55. This is a significant increase from the company’s current capacity of approximately 7-8 million doses per annum.
The company has developed a comprehensive plan to demonstrate comparability between the current manufacturing process and the large-scale manufacturing process for BioThrax. The contract will fund activities related to process validation, assay validation, fill/finish, and if required, non-clinical and clinical studies. The plan also includes regulatory activities in support of the submission to FDA of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for BioThrax at the expanded scale. The company expects to begin manufacturing consistency lots as early as the fourth quarter of 2011.
Emergent has invested significant resources in Building 55, which has been designed to manufacture up to 25 to 30 million doses of BioThrax as currently configured, and is expandable by adding a second manufacturing train that would double annual capacity, based on demand. This is aligned with the company’s core strategy to enhance its manufacturing capabilities to meet the increasing government demand for anthrax vaccines for inclusion in the SNS.
The company also continues to enhance the attractiveness of BioThrax as a significant component of the SNS, most recently through FDA approval of extended shelf life to four years. In addition, based on data from a seven-year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the company has submitted to FDA an sBLA to further reduce the BioThrax vaccination schedule to three doses within six months with triennial booster vaccinations. To date, Emergent has supplied over 42 million doses of BioThrax to the U.S. government with additional deliveries scheduled through the third quarter of 2011 pursuant to the current procurement contract with HHS.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection. Emergent’s product pipeline targets infectious diseases and includes programs focused on anthrax, tuberculosis, typhoid, flu and chlamydia. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
About BioThrax
BioThrax is the only FDA-licensed vaccine for the prevention of anthrax infection. It is indicated for the active immunization of adults who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax. BioThrax is manufactured from a culture filtrate, made from a non-virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis. Since 1998, the U.S. government has procured over 42 million doses of BioThrax. During that time period, more than 9.6 million doses have been administered to nearly 2.4 million military personnel. For full prescribing information, please visit www.biothrax.com/prescribinginformation_biothrax_us.pdf.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2010, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including appropriations for BioThrax(R) procurement; our ability to obtain new BioThrax(R) sales contracts; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax(R); our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; our ability to identify and acquire or in license products and product candidates that satisfy our selection criteria; the potential benefits of our existing collaboration agreements and our ability to enter into selective additional collaboration arrangements; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.