EANS-News: Epigenomics AG Announces Q1 2012 Financial Results and Operational
Highlights
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Company Information/3-month report/molecular diagnostics
Berlin, Germany, and Seattle, WA, U.S.A., May 9, 2012 (euro adhoc) - Epigenomics
AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX), the German-American cancer molecular
diagnostics company, announced today its financial results for the first quarter
ending March 31, 2012.
Geert Nygaard, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics said: "During the first
quarter of 2012, we continued with U.S. registration process for our colorectal
cancer (CRC) screening assay, Epi proColon® and so far submitted two of the four
premarket approval (PMA) modules to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
We've also embarked on an additional clinical study, a comparison of Epi
proColon® against fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), which is necessary for our
regulatory submission and are actively gearing up our pre-commercialization
activities. We are very pleased that Septin9 testing was recognized and included
in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding document issued by the
American Medical Association in 2012. Epigenomics remains focused on completing
the FDA submission later this year and on its ultimate goal of introducing Epi
proColon® as the first approved blood-based test for the early detection of
colorectal cancer in the U.S. market."
Q1 2012 Financial Results
* Revenue of EUR 0.2 million was lower than in Q1 of previous year (EUR 0.6
million) when a one-off payment was recognized for granting an option to Qiagen
for a non-exclusive commercial license to Epigenomics' proprietary methylated
Septin9 biomarker.
* R&D costs decreased to EUR 1.4 million (Q1 2011: EUR 1.6 million) as a
consequence of the termination of early-stage research activities.
* SG&A costs dropped from EUR 1.6 million in Q1 2011 to EUR 1.4 million in Q1
this year mainly due to the restructuring measures in the marketing and sales
departments.
* EBIT amounted to EUR -2.3 million, a 16.0% improvement compared with Q1 2011
(EUR -2.7 million).
* Net loss decreased by EUR 0.5 million compared to Q1 2011 to now EUR 2.3
million.
* Cash consumption was EUR 2.5 million (Q1 2011: EUR 2.8 million), which
included EUR 0.3 million related to the restructuring in 2011 as well as
increasing payments in connection with the activities for the FDA approval
process of Epi proColon® in the U.S.
* Liquidity at the end of the period amounted to EUR 11.5 million (December 31,
2011: EUR 14.0 million).
Operational highlights
* In January 2012, Epigenomics announced the publication of a study by Prof. Dr.
Matthias Ebert (Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg)
entitled "TFAP2E-DKK4 and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer" in The New
England Journal of Medicine. In this study, involving more than 200 patients in
four cohorts, Prof. Dr. Ebert and his team demonstrated that hypermethylation of
the TFAP2E gene was correlated with non-responsiveness to the commonly used
chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This is one of the first studies
to identify a methylation-based biomarker for resistance to chemotherapy.
* In February 2012, Epigenomics announced the results from a study conducted in
collaboration with Prof. Dr. Béla Molnár and his team (Semmelweis University in
Budapest, Hungary). In the study, the blood-based detection of methylated
Septin9 in CRC cases was assessed in the left and right side of the colon in 184
patients and showed 96% sensitivity and 85% specificity. Sensitivity for
detection of left- and right-sided cases was 96% and 94% respectively, thus
showing no significant difference between cancer detection in either side of the
colon.
* Also, in February 2012, the Company announced the results from a clinical
study with the Epi proLung® BL assay conducted by Prof. Dr. Manfred Dietel and
his team (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany). Based on the study
results, Charité announced that the assay would be introduced into its clinical
practice as a routine aid in the diagnosis of lung cancer in patients with
negative or suspicious cytological results. The results of this study will be
presented by Prof. Dr. Dietel at the Annual Meeting of the German Association of
Pathologists in Berlin in May 2012.
* In March 2012, the Company announced the results of a survey on CRC screening
preferences conducted by Jennifer Taber et al. (Department of Psychology,
University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, ARUP Laboratories). Given the
performance of the ARUP Septin9 test (90% sensitive, 89% specific; Warren et al.
2011) at a price of USD 180 for this test, the survey indicated that two thirds
of previously unscreened individuals would prefer a Septin9 blood test to other
screening methods.
* In March 2012, Epigenomics delivered the second module of its PMA submission
to the FDA, including the sections in relation to the hardware and software
validation of the instrumentation needed to run the test. The Company has
meanwhile responded to additional questions and remarks brought forward by the
FDA. The third module, relating to analytical validation, is scheduled to be
submitted still in Q2 2012 and the final module, including all clinical data, is
planned to be submitted in H2 2012. A head-to-head comparative study with the
goal of demonstrating non-inferiority of Epi proColon® to FIT will be an
integral part of the clinical module. The design of the clinical study has been
discussed with the FDA and the study has been initiated. The first study subject
was enrolled into the study in April 2012.
* This year's Annual General Shareholders' Meeting (AGM) of Epigenomics AG,
which took place in Berlin on May 2, 2012, voted with vast majority in favor of
the proposed Supervisory Board changes regarding size (reduction from six to
three members) and composition. The Supervisory Board members Ann Clare Kessler,
Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Günther Reiter were confirmed by the AGM for a further
term. . Mr. Heino von Prondzynski was elected by a large majority as new member
to the Supervisory Board. In its constitutive session, the newly elected
Supervisory Board appointed Mr. von Prondzynski as its Chairman.
Outlook for 2012
* At the upcoming Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in San Diego, CA from May 19-22,
2012, Epigenomics will be hosting a corporate booth. Furthermore, the results
from the studies on Septin9 conducted by Prof. Dr. Béla Molnár and collaborators
from the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary will be presented in poster
sessions at DDW.
* Throughout 2012, Epigenomics is and will continue to entertain active dialogs
with screening guideline inclusion groups, reimbursement authorities, and has
begun the process of speaking with patient advocacy constituents.
* In line with the previous guidance, product sales from IVD diagnostic products
remained at a modest level during Q1 2012. Epigenomics continues to seek
potential licensing and distribution partners as well as key account customers
for its products. Product-derived revenue is expected to be at modest levels
prior to the U.S. approval of Epi proColon®.
* A critically important strategic goal for 2012 remains securing the future of
the business, since the scarcity of funds might pose a potential threat to the
execution of Epigenomics' plans. The Company is currently evaluating all options
available, including the possibility to secure additional financing through a
capital markets transaction.
2012 Digestive Disease Week Poster Details and other Activities
Epigenomics AG will be hosting a corporate booth No. 1355, Halls A-C, San Diego
Convention Center, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.
Poster presentations:
Session: Biomarkers of GI Cancers (P8225)
Details: Sunday, May 20, 2012,8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center,Halls C-G
Title: Plasma Methylated Sept9 Is a Screening Marker in Both Left- and
Right-Sided Colon Cancer. Comparison to FOBT and CEA Results
Lead Author: Professor Dr. Kinga Toth from the 2nd Department of Internal
Medicine of Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary
Abstract No. Su1895
Title: Sept9 DNA Methylation in Healthy, Adenoma and Colorectal Cancer Patients:
a Comparison Between Tissue and Plasma Specimens
Lead Author: Professor Dr. Kinga Toth from the 2nd Department of Internal
Medicine of Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary
Abstract No. Su1892
Further Information
The full 3-Months Financial Report 2012 can be obtained from our website under:
http://www.epigenomics.com/en/news-investors/investors/financial-reports.html
- Ends -
Contact Epigenomics AG
Antje Zeise
Manager IR | PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368
ir@epigenomics.comwww.epigenomics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company developing
and commercializing a pipeline of proprietary products for cancer. The Company's
products enable doctors to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately, leading
to improved outcomes for patients. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon®, is
a blood-based test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is
currently marketed in Europe and is in development for the U.S.A. The Company's
technology and products have been validated through multiple partnerships with
leading global diagnostic companies including Abbott, QIAGEN, Sysmex, and Quest
Diagnostics. Epigenomics is an international company with operations in Europe
and the U.S.A.
Epigenomics legal disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve
certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could
cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of
Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not
undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
The information contained in this communication does not constitute nor imply an
offer to sell or transfer any product, and no product based on this technology
is currently available for sale by Epigenomics in the United States or Canada.
The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics
product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the
U.S. have not been established.
Further inquiry note:
Antje Zeise | CIRO
Manager IR/PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel: +49 30 24345 386
antje.zeise@epigenomics.com
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: Epigenomics AG
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1
D-10178 Berlin
phone: +49 30 24345-0
FAX: +49 30 24345-555
mail: ir@epigenomics.com
WWW: http://www.epigenomics.com
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A1K0516
indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: free trade: Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart,
regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt
language: English