Annual Report • Feb 22, 2023
Annual Report
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"BioInvent made significant advances in 2022, further developing our exciting pipeline of novel and first-inclass immuno-modulatory antibodies for cancer therapy and substantially reinforcing the company's financial position."
clinical development
Licensing, supply and collaboration agreements 94
employees (full time equivalent)
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out on page 21, at 8:00 a.m. CET on February 22, 2023.
• (R) BioInvent selected to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program and receives USD 3 million strategic equity investment
Planned dose escalation in Phase 1/2a trial of BI-1808 in advanced malignancies completed
CASI Pharmaceuticals and BioInvent dosed first patient in BI-1206 Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of relapsed/refractory non- Hodgkin's lymphoma in China
(R)= Regulatory event
BioInvent made significant advances in 2022, further developing our exciting pipeline of novel and first-in-class immuno-modulatory antibodies for cancer therapy and reinforcing the company's financial position. We now have four products progressing through five clinical trials, demonstrating the ability of our n-CoDeR®/F.I.R.S.T™ platforms to deliver novel, differentiating drug candidates.
The data on our lead drug candidate, the novel anti-FcγRIIB antibody BI-1206, continues to demonstrate its potential to significantly improve treatment for lymphoma and solid tumor patients.
Complete responses in NHL. BI-1206 is currently being studied in two Phase 1/2 trials, in combination with rituximab (anti-CD20) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and in combination with pembrolizumab in solid tumors. Latest data from the Phase 1/2 trial in NHL show that there are three ongoing complete responses, two beyond two years after end of treatment, and four partial responses, one of which is ongoing.
Subcutaneous administration. The new arm of the NHL study introducing subcutaneous administration is currently recruiting patients, while our partner CASI Pharmaceuticals has also enrolled the first patient in China in a Phase 1 trial of BI-1206 in NHL. As anti-CD20 based therapy will remain central for the treatment of NHL, BI-1206 has the potential to be uniquely positioned in this disease. The subcutaneous arm of the BI-1206 study in solid tumors plans to be initiated in H1 2023.
Orphan Drug Designation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted BI-1206 Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for the treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL), the most common form of slow-growing NHL. This is another important step forward in the development of BI-1206, which already had ODD from the FDA for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Early signs of efficacy in solid tumors. The ongoing clinical trial with BI-1206 in solid tumors is progressing through the dose-escalation part of the trial and the two patients reported December 2021, still showed clear clinical improvement a year later, as presented at the R&D Day in December 2022.
We presented the latest data at our R&D Day, where we were pleased to welcome an audience of investors, analysts, and journalists. We also provided an update on our other drug candidates moving through clinical and preclinical development.
BI-1808. Recruitment to both the single agent and combination arms of the Phase 1/2a trial with the anti-TNFR2 drug candidate BI-1808 is progressing well, with two patients already dosed with 1000mg. Interim results from the trial, which is evaluating BI-1808 as a single agent and in combination with the anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) in patients with ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), have reinforced the very favorable tolerability profile, no safety concerns and early signs of efficacy.
BT-001. A Phase 1/2a trial assessing BT-001, a vectorized anti-CTLA-4 antibody co-developed with Transgene as a single agent and in combination with Keytruda against solid tumors, is progressing well. BioInvent and Transgene plan to present results from Phase 1 Part A in H1 2023.
BI-1607. The FDA has approved BioInvent's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its FcyRIIB-blocking antibody BI-1607. This allows for the ongoing Phase 1/2a trial of BI-1607 in combination with trastuzumab in HER2+ solid tumors to be extended to U.S. centers.
BI-1910. Preclinical development of the anti-TNFR2 antibody BI-1910 continues as planned with the aim of initiating clinical development second half of 2023.
In June, we announced an option and license agreement with US biotech company Exelixis, focused on the identification and development of novel antibodies for use in IO therapeutics. The collaboration is intended to expand Exelixis' portfolio of antibody-based therapies and will combine BioInvent's cancer immunology and antibody biology expertise with Exelixis' expertise and resources in antibody engineering and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technologies, and proven history of developing and commercializing oncology therapeutics.
In January 2023, we were happy to announce that BioInvent was selected as partner of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program® (LLS TAP). The partnership included a strategic capital equity investment from LLS TAP of USD 3 million aimed at advancing the company's program to treat blood cancers. It is a strong endorsement of our lead program BI-1206 in NHL and acknowledgement of the potential of BI-1808 for CTCL. We are looking forward to be working closely with LLS and their extensive and unique network of patients and key opinion leaders in the U.S.
In July, we further strengthened our financial position through a directed share issue. This increases our capacity to run our clinical programs to important value-generating milestones as well as increased strategic flexibility. The share issue also improves our ability to negotiate with
potential partners, allowing us to swiftly adapt to potential changes in regulatory requirements or the competitive landscape.
BioInvent received proceeds of approximately SEK 300 million from the share issue, before transaction costs. A number of international and Swedish investors participated, including new investors such as AXA Investment Managers and a US institutional investor and existing shareholders such as Forbion, HBM Healthcare Investments, Redmile Group, Invus, the Fourth National Swedish Pension Fund and Swedbank Robur Fonder.
It is particularly gratifying that we were able to execute this successful financing at a time of market turbulence and deliver on our strategy to finance the company from a position of strength.
The strong interest in the issue underlines our strong clinical progress and the value of the deal with Exelixis. We now have an even stronger investor base, and our financial position enables us to deliver on pipeline development milestones with multiple drug candidates.
Our leadership team was further strengthened with the appointment of the experienced industry leader Marie Moores as Chief Operating Officer. Marie's experience from the CRO field is proving invaluable and her work with the day-to-day operations is allowing me, as CEO, to focus more on the long-term strategic development of BioInvent. In June, Sylvie Ryckebusch was appointed as Chief Business Officer. Sylvie Ryckebusch is a pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of experience in business development, alliance management, and corporate strategy and has closed numerous biotech deals. She has supported BioInvent on a part time basis since 2019 and with the new position as CBO she will work full-time.
Natalie Berner and Nanna Lüneborg were elected as new Board members at the Extraordinary General Meeting in June. We are delighted with this expansion of the Board and to welcome Natalie, Managing Director at BioInvent's largest shareholder Redmile Group, and Nanna, who is General Partner of Forbion Growth Opportunities Fund, BioInvent's fourth largest owner.
As we look back on another highly successful year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the employees of BioInvent for their dedication and grit, which is fundamental to our exciting progress. I am also very grateful to our investors and partners for their continuing support. I look forward to providing you with further updates on our productive work through 2023.
Martin Welschof, CEO February 2023
BioInvent is focused on developing novel immuno-modulatory antibodies for cancer therapy. These innovative antibodies may significantly improve the efficacy of currently available checkpoint inhibitor and/or activate anti-cancer immunity in currently non-responding patients.
| FOUR DRUG CANDIDATES IN FIVE PROPRIETARY CLINICAL STUDIES | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate drug | Combination agent | Target | Indication | Phase 1 Phase 2 |
Partner | |
| BI-1206 | Rituximab | FcyRIIB | NHL | |||
| BI-1206 | Pembrolizumab | FcyRIIB | Solid tumor | * | ||
| BI-1607 | Trastuzumab | FcyRIIB | Solid tumor | |||
| BI-1808 | Single agent/Pembrolizumab | TNFR2 | Solid tumor | * | ||
| BT-001 | Pembrolizumab | CTLA-4 | Solid tumor | * | ||
*Clinical supply and collaboration agreement
BioInvent's ambition is to develop its clinical assets through the clinical Phases 1 and 2, and thereafter outlicense them to a partner with resources to bring the project through the third and final phase of the clinical development, and onto commercialization.
By blocking FcγRIIB, BI-1206 is expected to recover and enhance the activity of rituximab or other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies.
Clinical phase 1/2a study ongoing with BI-1206 in combination with rituximab for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (NCT03571568).
Licensing agreement with CASI Pharmaceuticals for the China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. BioInvent has so far received USD 12 million upfront in a combination of cash and equity investment.
BI-1206 is a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectivity binds to FcγRIIB (CD32B). FcγRIIB is overexpressed in several forms of NHL and overexpression has been associated with poor prognosis in difficult-to-treat forms of NHL. By blocking FcγRIIB, BI-1206 is expected to recover and enhance the activity of rituximab and other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. The combination of the two drugs could provide a new and important option for patients suffering from NHL and represents a substantial commercial opportunity.
Clinical phase 1/2a study ongoing with BI-1206 in combination with rituximab for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (NCT03571568).
In December 2022, the first patient was included in the Phase 1 trial with a subcutaneous formulation (sc) of BI-1206. The starting dose of 150 mg is predicted to provide drug exposure at levels at which responses have already been observed. The adaptive study design implemented will allow for efficient escalation to higher doses. First results from this part are expected H1 2023.
Current data are highly encouraging and already show the benefit of BI-1206 in rescuing rituximab treatment in advanced NHL. Interim top-line data (iv) show increased response levels and sustained complete responses, suggesting that BI-1206 restores the activity of rituximab in relapsed NHL patients. The quality of the responses is particular impressive. Latest data from iv part of the Phase 1/2 trial with BI-1206 in combination with rituximab in NHL (Dec 2022) show there are three ongoing complete responses, two beyond two years after end of treatment, and four partial responses, one of which is ongoing.
The Phase 1/2a study is divided into two parts, each with a subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous infusion (IV) arm:
1) Phase 1, with dose escalation cohorts using a 3+3 (IV) or Bayesian logistic regression model, BLRM (SC) dose-escalation design and selection of the recommended Phase 2a dose (RP2D); and
2) Phase 2a, an expansion cohort at the RP2D, enriched with patients with mantle cell lymphoma. Patients in each phase receive 1 cycle (4 doses) of induction therapy with BI-1206 in combination with rituximab. Those who show clinical benefit at week 6 continue onto maintenance therapy and receive BI-1206 and rituximab once every 8 weeks for up to 6 maintenance cycles, or up to 1 year from first dose of BI-1206.
CASI is performing the trials with the aim to further evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of BI-1206 in combination with rituximab in NHL, to assess safety and tolerability, select the Recommended Phase 2 Dose and assess early signs of clinical efficacy as part of its development program for BI-1206 in China and associated markets. In September 2022, the first patient was enrolled in China.
In January 2022, BI-1206 was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by FDA for the treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL), the most common form of slow-growing Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Since 2019, BI-1206 has ODD for mantle cell lymphoma.
Since October 2020, BioInvent has a licensing agreement in place with CASI Pharmaceuticals for the China region. Under the terms of the agreement, BioInvent and CASI will develop BI-1206 in both hematological and solid cancers, with CASI responsible for commercialization in China and associated markets. BioInvent received USD 12 million upfront in combination of cash and equity investment and eligible to receive up to USD 83 million in milestone payments, plus tiered royalties.
In January 2023, BioInvent was selected as partner of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program® (LLS TAP), aimed at advancing the company's program to treat blood cancers. The partnership gives access to the unique scientific, clinical and drug development expertise of LLS and also entailed a strategic capital equity investment from LLS TAP of USD 3 million.
First results from the Phase 1 trial of the subcutaneous formulation of BI-1206 are expected in H1 2023.
BI-1206 is developed to re-establish the clinical effect of existing cancer treatments such as pembrolizumab.
Clinical phase 1/2a study ongoing with BI-1206 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the treatment of solid tumors (NCT04219254).
Clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD, who supplies Keytruda to support the evaluation the combination treatment of BI-1206 and Keytruda.
BI-1206 is a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectivity binds to FcγRIIB (CD32B), the only inhibitory member of the FcγR family. The ongoing clinical program is based on BioInvent's preclinical data demonstrating the ability of BI-1206 to address an important mechanism of resistance to PD-1 inhibition, providing a way to enhance anti-tumor immune responses in patients with solid tumors.
Early observations indicate that BI-1206 in combination with pembrolizumab may reverse metastatic disease progression in patients who have previously progressed on PD-1/PDL-1 therapies. Aside infusion related reactions, no major safety concerns have been observed and dose-escalation continues.
The two patients reported in December 2021 (please see below) still show clear clinical improvement as of December 2022. The subcutaneous arm of the study in solid tumors is on track to be initiated in H1 2023.
As of December 2021, eleven patients in three dose cohorts had been treated with BI-1206 in combination with pembrolizumab. During the study period, a patient with stage IV sarcoma was able to stop all pain medication, the coughing disappeared, and the shortness of breath markedly improved. Another patient, with uveal melanoma, demonstrated a partial response. Metastatic uveal melanoma is a difficult-totreat disease, with median overall survival of approximately 13.4 months, with only 8% of patients surviving after 2 years. (Uveal melanoma: epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of primary disease, Krantz et al, Clin Ophthalmology 31 Jan 2017.)
The Phase 1/2a is a multicenter, dose-finding, open-label study of BI-1206 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients in the study will previously have received treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is conducted at several sites across the US and Europe and will assess potential signs of antitumoral activity, as well as exploring the expression of potential immunological markers that might be associated, and eventually predict clinical responses.
The overall objective of the Phase 1/2a study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BI-1206 in combination with Keytruda. The Phase 1 part is a dose escalation study with the aim to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of BI-1206 in combination with Keytruda. The Phase 2a part will study the BI-1206/Keytruda combination treatment in patients with advanced lung cancer, melanoma and other types of malignancies.
In December 2019 BioInvent entered into a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD, a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ., USA, to evaluate the combination of BioInvent's BI-1206 and MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for patients with solid tumors. Under the agreement, MSD supplies Keytruda which supports the evaluation of BI-1206 for the treatment of solid tumors in combination with one of the most successful immuno-oncology drugs.
A Phase 1 trial with a subcutaneous formulation of BI-1206 is expected to begin in H1 2023. This new formulation is expected to circumvent infusion related reactions.
BI-1607 is intended to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance to existing cancer treatments such as trastuzumab.
Clinical phase 1/2a study (NCT05555251) with BI-1607 in combination with trastuzumab is ongoing since July 2022.
BI-1607 is an FcγRIIB-blocking antibody but differs from BI-1206 in that it has been engineered for reduced Fc-binding to FcγRs. Preclinical proof-of-concept data indicate that combined treatment with BI-1607 may both enhance efficacy of current anti-HER2 regimens and increase response rates in patients no longer responding to anti-HER2-directed therapies such as trastuzumab. In analogy with BI-1206 (BioInvent's other clinical-stage FcγRIIB antibody), BI-1607 is intended to be used to enhance the efficacy and overcome resistance to existing cancer treatments.
In July 2022, the first patient was enrolled to the ongoing clinical Phase 1/2a study.
The first-in-human Phase 1 trial is a dose escalation study of BI-1607 in combination with trastuzumab in HER2+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The selected dose of BI-1607 will be studied in a subsequent Phase 2a part of the trial along with trastuzumab in advanced breast, metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction HER2+ cancers.
The Phase 1 part of the study is expected to recruit between 12 and 26 subjects, whereas the Phase 2a aims to recruit 30 patients, in two cohorts of 15 subjects each (one cohort in breast and one in gastric and gastroesophageal cancers). The study is carried out at 7-12 sites in Spain, the UK, Germany, and in the U.S.
First results from the ongoing Phase 1 study are expected H2 2023.
BI-1808 is directed towards TNFR2, a new and promising target for cancer immunotherapy.
Clinical phase 1/2a study (NCT04752826) ongoing with BI-1808 as single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda).
Clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD to evaluate the combination of BI-1808 and Keytruda in patients with advanced solid tumors.
The anti-TNFR2 antibody BI-1808 is part of BioInvent's tumor-associated regulatory T cells (Treg)-targeting program. TNFR2 is particularly upregulated on Tregs of the tumor microenvironment and has been shown to be important for tumor growth and survival, representing a new and promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Two different types of TNFR2 targeting antibodies are being developed by BioInvent. In addition to BI-1808, the company also has BI-1910 (a TNFR2 agonist) in late-stage IND-enabling preclinical studies.
Clinical phase 1/2a study (NCT04752826) ongoing In September 2022, the planned dose escalation part of the Phase 1/2a trial was completed. Given the positive safety and tolerability profile observed, a higher dose of BI-1808 as single agent will be tested to explore the effect of higher exposure. Completion of the planned dose escalation phase of BI-1808 as single agent triggered the initiation of cohorts of BI-1808 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda).
In the ongoing single agent study, BI-1808 was shown to be safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicity observed during dose-escalation. Only grade 1 and 2 adverse events related or possibly related to BI-1808 were observed during treatment. Three disease stabilizations were observed during the escalation process.
Since January 2021, patient enrollment is ongoing in Europe. During the first part of the Phase 1/2a study the safety, tolerability, and potential signs of efficacy of BI-1808 as a single agent and in combination with the anti-PD-1 therapy
Keytruda will be evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumors and CTCL. In the subsequent part of the Phase 1/2a study, BI-1808 as single-agent and in combination with the anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda will be further evaluated in expansion cohorts in patients with ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and CTCL. The study is expected to enroll a total of approximately 120 patients.
Since August 2021, BioInvent has a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD, a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ., USA, to evaluate the combination of BI-1808 and MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors. Under the agreement, MSD supplies Keytruda which supports the evaluation of BI-1808 in combination with the most successful immuno-oncology drug in the market.
Further results from the Phase 1 single-agent study are expected in H1 2023. First data from the Keytruda combination study are expected in H2 2023.
The use of an oncolytic virus to deliver anti-CTLA-4 locally and selectively in the tumor microenvironment allows for a stronger and more effective antitumor response.
Clinical phase 1/2a study (NCT04725331) Part A; single agent BT-001 is ongoing. Part B will explore the combination of intra-tumoral injections of BT-001 with pembrolizumab.
Clinical trial collaboration with Transgene and supply agreement with MSD to evaluate the oncolytic virus BT-001 in combination with KEYTRUDA®.
BT-001 is an oncolytic virus developed with Transgene's Invir.IO™ platform, engineered to express both a Tregdepleting human recombinant anti-CTLA-4 antibody generated by BioInvent's proprietary n-CoDeR/F.I.R.S.T platforms, and the human GM-CSF cytokine. The differentiated and potent anti-CTLA-4 mAb was generated using BioInvent's proprietary n-CoDeR/F.I.R.S.T platforms. The use of an oncolytic virus to deliver the anti-CTLA-4 directly in the tumor microenvironment allows high intratumoral antibody concentrations, eliciting a stronger and more effective antitumoral response. Reducing systemic exposure to low levels, enhances safety and tolerability of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody.
Clinical phase 1/2a study (NCT04725331) ongoing The ongoing Phase 1/2a open-label, multicenter, doseescalation study is currently evaluating BT-001 as single agent for the treatment of patients with solid tumors. Part B will explore the combination of intra-tumoral injections of BT-001 with pembrolizumab.
In June 2022, BioInvent and partner Transgene announced positive progress and safety data in the ongoing Phase 1/2a trial. The initial data generated in Phase 1 part A, demonstrated that BT-001 alone is well tolerated, with first signs of anti-tumor activity in a hard-to-treat population and confirmed the mechanism of action of BT-001 as a single agent. The initial findings are as follows:
The overall objective of the Phase 1/2a study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BT-001 alone and in combination with pembrolizumab. The ongoing Phase 1 component of the study is divided into two parts: Part A will evaluate intratumoral injections of BT-001 as single agent in 18 patients
with advanced solid tumor disease. The first two dose levels have been successfully completed, with 12 patients dosed. The highest dose cohort is currently enrolling patients. Part B will explore the combination of intra-tumoral injections of BT-001 with pembrolizumab.
The subsequent Phase 2a component of the study will evaluate the combination regimen in several patient cohorts with different tumor types. These expansion cohorts will offer the possibility of exploring the activity of this approach to treat other malignancies not traditionally addressed with this type of treatment.
In June 2022, BioInvent and Transgene announced a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD, a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ., USA, to evaluate the oncolytic virus BT-001 in combination with MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for the treatment of patients with solid tumors. Under the terms of the supply agreement, MSD will provide pembrolizumab to be used in combination with BT-001 in the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial.
Since 2017, BioInvent and Transgene collaborate on the development of the drug candidate BT-001 which encodes both a differentiated and proprietary anti-CTLA-4 antibody and the GM-CSF cytokine. Transgene is contributing its proprietary oncolytic virus (OV) platform Invir.IO™, designed to directly and selectively destroy cancer cells by intracellular replication of the virus in the cancer cell (oncolysis). Oncolysis induces an immune response against tumors, while the "weaponized" virus allows the expression of genes carried by the viral genome, here an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, which will further boost immune response against the tumor.
The research and development costs as well as revenue and royalties are shared 50:50.
Further results from Phase 1 part A are expected H1 2023. Phase 1 study part B, i.e. BT-001 in combination with pembrolizumab, is planned to start in H2 2023.
BioInvent's preclinical research is focused on developing novel immuno-modulatory antibodies for cancer therapy. Such antibodies may significantly improve efficacy of currently available checkpoint inhibitor therapies and/or activate anti-cancer immunity in currently non-responding patients and cancer types.
The Preclinical team at BioInvent is highly involved in all steps in a project – from idea to pulling out desired antibodies from our n-CoDeR library, functionally testing these in predictive cancer models, as well as in developing biomarkers for the clinic.
The flexibility of the team and the close communication between the Preclinical, Translational and Core Research Teams and Clinical Development assures rapid adjustments to answer the most critical questions to advance our pipeline.
The strength of the company's technology platform with its development tool F.I.R.S.T™ and the n-CoDeR® antibody library is a strong driver in the discovery phase where the company currently is working on a number of promising candidates.
Two different types of TNFR2 targeting antibodies are being developed by BioInvent. BI-1910 is a drug candidate in preclinical development, besides BI-1808 currently in clinical development. BI-1910 is an agonist, immune-activating TNFR2 antibody whilst BI-1808 is a ligand blocking antibody.
Preclinical data has been presented showing that an immune-activating BI-1910 surrogate antibody regress large established tumors and synergize with anti-PD-1 therapy. Further mode-of-action analyses demonstrate that the BI-1910 surrogate antibody increases intratumoral CD8+ T effector cells and induces long-lasting T cell memory. BI-1910 is expected to enter clinical development during H2 2023.
BioInvent collaborates with a number of important players within the pharmaceutical industry and within academia. The collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies focus on commercial partnerships for BioInvent's clinical assets. The further the clinical programs have advanced, the greater is the chance of establishing partnerships that bring real value to BioInvent. Academic partnerships, on the other hand, allow BioInvent to tap into world class scientific expertise to advance the company's early programs, and potentially to acquire high quality early assets that could be of interest to BioInvent for further development.
For its clinical programs, BioInvent has different kinds of collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies such as CASI, MSD, and Transgene, see pages 7 to 10 for details. The most recent collaboration was established in August 2021, when BioInvent signed a supply and collaboration agreement with MSD to support the expansion of the clinical trial program with anti-TNFR2 antibody BI-1808. The agreement with MSD gives BioInvent the opportunity to explore the potential synergistic activity of BI-1808 in combination with pembrolizumab. As MSD carefully reviews programs before establishing such agreements, this provides further validation of the high quality of the TNFR2 program.
In January 2023, BioInvent was selected as partner of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program® (LLS TAP) and received a strategic equity investment of USD 3 million to support clinical advancement of BI-1206 in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and BI-1808 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. LLS TAP is a strategic funding initiative to accelerate innovative blood cancer therapeutics worldwide.
BioInvent currently has six clinical projects outlicensed to other companies. Long-term, these projects hold real financial potential. In the short term, say five years, BioInvent may receive minor clinical milestone payments, but the real upside in these projects lies in commercial milestones and potential royalties five to ten years from now. It is impossible to know if any of BioInvent's external projects will go all the way to market but statistically it is highly probable that at least one or two will be successful.
BioInvent has also signed early research and development partnerships focused on the identification and development of novel antibodies for use in immuno-oncology therapeutics. Agreements have been signed with both Exelixis and Pfizer, with potential future development milestones and royalties.
BioInvent's external projects are a seal of excellence for the quality of the company's research and development capabilities.
Figures in parentheses refer to the outcome for the corresponding period in the preceding year.
Net sales amounted to SEK 20.6 million (4.9). Revenues for the period were mainly derived from production of antibodies for clinical trials, and revenues from research funding. Revenues for the corresponding period 2021 were mainly derived from production of antibodies for clinical studies.
The Company's total costs amounted to SEK 100.2 million (82.4). Operating costs are divided between external costs of SEK 62.1 million (52.8), personnel costs of SEK 34.1 million (25.9) and depreciation of SEK 4.0 million (3.7).
Research and development costs amounted to SEK 85.0 million (70.4). Sales and administrative costs amounted to SEK 15.2 million (12.0).
Profit/loss after tax amounted to SEK -78.3 million (-78.8). The net financial items amounted to SEK 0.9 million (0.1). Profit/loss per share before and after dilution amounted to SEK -1.21 (-1.35).
Net sales amounted to SEK 326.1 million (19,4). Revenues for the period were mainly derived from an upfront fee of USD 25 million when an exclusive option and license agreement was entered into with Exelixis to develop novel antibody-based immuno-oncology therapies, a EUR 0.5 million milestone payment under the collaboration with Bayer Healthcare/Hope Medicine related to the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial, production of antibodies for clinical studies, and revenues from research funding. Revenues for the corresponding period 2021 were mainly derived from production of antibodies for clinical studies.
The Company's total costs amounted to SEK 376.7 million (297.8). Operating costs are divided between external costs of SEK 253.1 million (198.1), personnel costs of SEK 108.9 million (85.1) and depreciation of SEK 14.7 million (14.6).
Research and development costs amounted to SEK 325.9 million (258.3). Sales and administrative costs amounted to SEK 50.8 million (39.5).
Profit/loss after tax amounted to SEK -42.5 million (-278.4). The net financial items amounted to SEK 8.4 million (-0.1). Profit/loss per share before and after dilution amounted to SEK -0.69 (-5.14).
On July 12, 2022, BioInvent successfully completed a directed share issue of SEK 298.9 million before transaction costs. A number of international and Swedish investors participated in the directed share issue, including new investors such as AXA Investment Managers and a US
institutional investor and the existing shareholders Forbion, HBM Healthcare Investments, Redmile Group, Invus, the Fourth National Swedish Pension Fund and Swedbank Robur Fonder, with demand for the new shares exceeding the size of the directed share issue. 6,496,788 new shares were issued based on the authorization granted by the AGM on April 28, 2022.
The share capital consists of 64,967,884 shares as of December 31, 2022.
On January 17, 2023 BioInvent announced that it had been selected as partner of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program® (LLS TAP), aimed at advancing the company's program to treat blood cancers. The partnership include access to the unique scientific, clinical and drug development expertise of LLS as well as a strategic capital equity investment from LLS TAP of USD 3 million. 836,478 new shares were issued based on the authorization granted by the AGM on April 28, 2022. The share capital consists thereafter of 65,804,362 shares.
As of December 31, 2022, the Group's liquid funds, current and long-term investments amounted to SEK 1,593.6 million (1,365.0). The cash flow from operating activities for the January-December period amounted to SEK -41.2 million (-245.8).
The shareholders' equity amounted to SEK 1,606.1 million (1,367.0) at the end of the period. The Company's share capital was SEK 13.0 million. The equity/assets ratio at the end of the period was 94 (94) percent. Shareholders' equity per share amounted to SEK 24.72 (23.38).
Investments for the January-December period in tangible fixed assets amounted to SEK 12.4 million (13.3).
All operations of the Group are conducted by the Parent Company. Except for financial leases, the Group's and the Parent Company's financial statements coincide in every material way.
As of December 31, 2022, BioInvent had 94 (84) employees (full time equivalent). 84 (75) of these work in research and development.
For description of benefits to senior executives, see page 68 in the Company's annual report 2021. Otherwise there are no transactions with related parties, in accordance with IAS 24, to report.
The Company's operations are associated with risks related to factors such as pharmaceutical development, clinical trials and product responsibility, commercialization and
partners, competition, intellectual property protection, compensation for pharmaceutical sales, qualified personnel and key individuals, additional financing requirements, currency risk and interest risk. The risks summarize the factors of significance for BioInvent and thus an investment in the BioInvent share.
At the beginning of 2022, the relation between Russia and Ukraine have deteriorated sharply, and on February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. The situation is characterized by great uncertainty and the course of events is unpredictable. The market reactions on the development have been strongly negative, which is shown through significant price drops in the stock markets in the countries concerned, but also in other markets, including the Swedish market.
In addition, the United States and Europe have imposed economic sanctions on Russia. In relation to BioInvent's operations, in the form of ongoing clinical trials and the results of these, this has so far not been affected in any material way. However, it cannot be completely ruled out that the situation in the world will change, which may also have an impact on BioInvent's operations, primarily in the form of delays in the company's ongoing clinical trials and clinical trials that will soon be initiated. If such an impact on the operation is expected to arise, BioInvent will provide updates as necessary.
For a more detailed description of risk factors, see section "Risks and Risk Management", page 50, in the Company's annual report 2021.
| 3 MONTHS | 3 MONTHS | 12 MONTHS | 12 MONTHS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| OCT.-DEC. | OCT.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | |
| Net sales | 20,640 | 4,903 | 326,126 | 19,384 |
| Operating costs | ||||
| Research and development costs | -84,984 | -70,448 | -325,929 | -258,337 |
| Sales and administrative costs | -15,227 | -11,961 | -50,750 | -39,438 |
| Other operating income and costs | 308 | -1,341 | -368 | 41 |
| -99,903 | -83,750 | -377,047 | -297,734 | |
| Operating profit/loss | -79,263 | -78,847 | -50,921 | -278,350 |
| Profit/loss from financial investments | 928 | 87 | 8,418 | -94 |
| Profit/loss before tax | -78,335 | -78,760 | -42,503 | -278,444 |
| Tax | - | - | - | - |
| Profit/loss | -78,335 | -78,760 | -42,503 | -278,444 |
| Other comprehensive income | ||||
| Items that have been or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | - | - | - | - |
| Comprehensive income | -78,335 | -78,760 | -42,503 | -278,444 |
| Other comprehensive income attributable to parent Company's shareholders | -78,335 | -78,760 | -42,503 | -278,444 |
| Profit/loss per share, SEK | ||||
| Before dilution | -1.21 | -1.35 | -0.69 | -5.14 |
| After dilution | -1.21 | -1.35 | -0.69 | -5.14 |
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| DEC. 31 | DEC. 31 | |
| ASSETS | ||
| Intangible fixed assets | 0 | 0 |
| Tangible fixed assets - leases | 26,543 | 27,433 |
| Tangible fixed assets - other | 25,469 | 21,651 |
| Financial fixed assets - long-term investments | 576,140 | 282,208 |
| Total fixed assets | 628,152 | 331,292 |
| Inventories | 11,506 | 16,848 |
| Current receivables | 55,075 | 16,342 |
| Current investments | 502,434 | 172,074 |
| Liquid funds | 515,047 | 910,755 |
| Total current assets | 1,084,062 | 1,116,019 |
| Total assets | 1,712,214 | 1,447,311 |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
| Total shareholders' equity | 1,606,122 | 1,366,987 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Lease liabilities | 18,773 | 21,532 |
| Total long term liabilities | 18,773 | 21,532 |
| Lease liabilities | 8,190 | 6,835 |
| Other liabilities | 79,129 | 51,957 |
| Total short term liabilities | 87,319 | 58,792 |
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities | 1,712,214 | 1,447,311 |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCT.-DEC. | OCT.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | |
| Shareholders' equity at beginning of period | 1,684,259 | 1,445,495 | 1,366,987 | 743,499 |
| Comprehensive income | ||||
| Profit/loss | -78,335 | -78,760 | -42,503 | -278,444 |
| Comprehensive other income | - | - | - | - |
| Total comprehensive income | -78,335 | -78,760 | -42,503 | -278,444 |
| Total, excluding transactions with equity holders of the Company | 1,605,924 | 1,366,735 | 1,324,484 | 465,055 |
| Transactions with equity holders of the Company | ||||
| Employee options program | 198 | 252 | 1,789 | 1,138 |
| Directed share issue | 279,849 | 900,794 | ||
| Shareholders' equity at end of period | 1,606,122 | 1,366,987 | 1,606,122 | 1,366,987 |
The share capital as of December 31, 2022 consists of 64,967,884 shares and the share's ratio value was 0.20. The directed new share issue carried out in July 2022 raised SEK 298.9 million before issue expenses and SEK 279.8 million after issue expenses.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCT.-DEC. | OCT.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | |
| Operating activities | ||||
| Operating profit/loss | -79,263 | -78,847 | -50,921 | -278,350 |
| Depreciation | 4,019 | 3,683 | 14,724 | 14,610 |
| Adjustment for other non-cash items | 198 | 252 | 1,789 | 1,138 |
| Interest received and paid | 392 | -115 | -44 | -269 |
| Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital | -74,654 | -75,027 | -34,452 | -262,871 |
| Changes in working capital | 2,988 | -711 | -6,775 | 17,028 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | -71,666 | -75,738 | -41,227 | -245,843 |
| Investment activities | ||||
| Acquisition of tangible fixed assets | -6,176 | -2,966 | -12,377 | -13,260 |
| Changes of financial investments | -102,732 | -265,480 | -616,471 | -454,282 |
| Cash flow from investment activities | -108,908 | -268,446 | -628,848 | -467,542 |
| Cash flow from operating activities and investment activities | -180,574 | -344,184 | -670,075 | -713,385 |
| Financing activities | ||||
| Directed share issue | 279,849 | 900,794 | ||
| Amortization of lease liability | -1,574 | -1,577 | -6,362 | -5,924 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -1,574 | -1,577 | 273,487 | 894,870 |
| Change in liquid funds | -182,148 | -345,761 | -396,588 | 181,485 |
| Opening liquid funds | 696,315 | 1,256,516 | 910,755 | 729,270 |
| Accrued interest on investments classified as liquid funds | 880 | 880 | ||
| Liquid funds at end of period | 515,047 | 910,755 | 515,047 | 910,755 |
| Liquid funds, specification: | ||||
| Cash and bank | 515,047 | 910,755 | 515,047 | 910,755 |
| 515,047 | 910,755 | 515,047 | 910,755 |
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| DEC. 31 | DEC. 31 | |
| Shareholders' equity per share at end of period, SEK | 24.72 | 23.38 |
| Number of shares at end of period (thousand) | 64,968 | 58,471 |
| Equity/assets ratio, % | 93.8 | 94.5 |
| Number of employees at end of period | 94 | 84 |
| 3 MONTHS | 3 MONTHS | 12 MONTHS | 12 MONTHS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| OCT.-DEC. | OCT.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | |
| Net sales | 20,640 | 4,903 | 326,126 | 19,384 |
| Operating costs | ||||
| Research and development costs | -84,771 | -70,743 | -326,368 | -258,521 |
| Sales and administrative costs | -15,208 | -11,987 | -50,788 | -39,454 |
| Other operating income and costs | 308 | -1,341 | -368 | 41 |
| -99,671 | -84,071 | -377,524 | -297,934 | |
| Operating profit/loss | -79,031 | -79,168 | -51,398 | -278,550 |
| Profit/loss from financial investments | 1,081 | 272 | 9,068 | 420 |
| Profit/loss after financial items | -77,950 | -78,896 | -42,330 | -278,130 |
| Tax | - | - | - | - |
| Profit/loss | -77,950 | -78,896 | -42,330 | -278,130 |
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | - |
| Comprehensive income | -77,950 | -78,896 | -42,330 | -278,130 |
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| DEC. 31 | DEC. 31 | |
| ASSETS | ||
| Intangible fixed assets | 0 | 0 |
| Tangible fixed assets | 25,469 | 21,651 |
| Financial fixed assets - Shares in subsidiaries | 687 | 687 |
| Financial fixed assets - long-term investments | 576,140 | 282,208 |
| Total fixed assets | 602,296 | 304,546 |
| Current assets | ||
| Inventories | 11,506 | 16,848 |
| Current receivables | 55,450 | 16,030 |
| Current investments | 502,434 | 172,074 |
| Cash and bank | 515,047 | 910,755 |
| Total current assets | 1,084,437 | 1,115,707 |
| Total assets | 1,686,733 | 1,420,253 |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
| Restricted equity | 40,687 | 39,387 |
| Non-restricted equity | 1,566,268 | 1,328,260 |
| Total shareholders' equity | 1,606,955 | 1,367,647 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Short term liabilities | 79,778 | 52,606 |
| Total short term liabilities | 79,778 | 52,606 |
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities | 1,686,733 | 1,420,253 |
The board of directors and the CEO hereby ensure that this interim report for the period January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022 provides a fair overview of the operations, financial position and performance of the Company and the Group and describes the material risks and uncertainty factors faced by the Company and the companies included in the Group.
This report has not been reviewed by the company's auditors.
Lund, February 22, 2023
Leonard Kruimer Natalie Berner Elin Birgersson Kristoffer Bissessar Chairman of the Board Board member Board member Board member Dharminder Chahal Thomas Hecht Nanna Lüneborg Vincent Ossipow Board member Board member Board member Board member Martin Pålsson Bernd Seizinger Martin Welschof Board member Board member CEO
This interim report in brief for the Group has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and applicable parts of the Annual Accounts Act. The interim report of the Parent Company has been prepared in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Annual Accounts Act. For the Group and the Parent Company, the same accounting policies and accounting estimates and assumptions were applied to this interim report as were used in the preparation of the most recent annual report.
Changes in IFRS standards entered into force in 2022 has had no material impact on the financial statements. The financial statements of the Parent Company coincide in every material way with the consolidated financial statements.
The definition of alternative performance measures not defined by IFRS is unchanged from those presented in the most recent annual report.
In June 2022, BioInvent entered into an agreement with Exelixis that granted BioInvent the right to receive an upfront fee of USD 25 million in consideration for Exelixis receiving rights to select three target identified using BioInvent's proprietary F.I.R.S.T platform and n-CoDeR library. The grant of these rights has been deemed to constitute a separate performance obligation that was satisfied in connection with Exelixis gaining access to the targets in June 2022. The full amount of USD 25 million has therefore been recognized as revenue in the second quarter. For more detailed information about the Group's accounting principles regarding revenues, see Note 1 Accounting principles, page 64, in the Company's annual report 2021.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEK THOUSAND | OCT.-DEC. | OCT.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. | JAN.-DEC. |
| Revenue by geographical region: | ||||
| Sweden | 3,000 | 4,107 | 25,634 | 13,515 |
| Europe | 8,421 | 370 | 27,102 | 4,213 |
| USA | 9,219 | 426 | 273,390 | 1,656 |
| Other countries | - | - | - | - |
| 20,640 | 4,903 | 326,126 | 19,384 |
| Revenue from collaboration agreements associated with outlicensing of | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| proprietary projects | 8,573 | - | 268,753 | - |
| Revenue from technology licenses | - | - | 5,221 | - |
| Revenue from external development projects | 12,067 | 4,903 | 52,152 | 19,384 |
| 20,640 | 4,903 | 326,126 | 19,384 |
The net revenue of the Group and the Parent Company coincide.
• (R) BioInvent selected to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Therapy Acceleration Program and receives \$3 million strategic equity investment
(R)= Regulatory event
The Annual General Meeting will be held on April 27, 2023 at 4 p.m. Elite Hotel Ideon, Scheelevägen 27, Lund. Notice to attend will be announced in Post- och Inrikes Tidningar and on the Company website.
Any questions regarding this report will be answered by Cecilia Hofvander, Senior Director Investor Relations, +46 (0)46 286 85 50, [email protected].
The report is also available at www.bioinvent.com.
Co. reg. no. 556537-7263 Address: Ideongatan 1, 223 70 Lund Tel.: +46 (0)46 286 85 50
This interim report contains statements about the future, consisting of subjective assumptions and forecasts for future scenarios. Predictions for the future only apply as of the date they are made and are, by their very nature, in the same way as research and development work in the biotech segment, associated with risk and uncertainty. With this in mind, the actual out-come may deviate significantly from the scenarios described in this interim report.
n-CoDeR® and F.I.R.S.T™ are trademarks belonging to BioInvent International AB.
BioInvent invites to a presentation of the Year-end report 2022 and a telephone conference with CEO Martin Welschof and CFO Stefan Ericsson. The presentation will be held in English.
When: 2:00 p.m. CET, Wednesday February 22, 2023.
Listen to the presentation webcast: https://financialhearings.com/event/45959
To participate via teleconference, please register via the following link: https://conference. financialhearings.com/teleconference/?id=5002445. Upon registration, a phone number and conference ID for the conference call will be provided. You can ask questions verbally via the telephone conference.
The conference call will be made available on the company website after the call.
Redeye Fight Cancer Seminar 2023: Listen to CSO Björn Frendéus presenting BioInvent at this seminar in Stockholm on January 19, 2023. https://www.redeye.se/video/event-presentation/871770/bioinvent-cso-bjorn-frendeuspresents-atredeye-fight-cancer-january-19-2023?embed
BioInvent R&D Day, December 8, 2022: Listen to KOL Dr Sean Lim and representatives from the management team discussing BioInvent's broad clinical pipeline https://www.bioinvent.com/en/bioinvent-rd-day-2022
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