Ophthotech Corporation (NASDAQ:OPHT) Files An 8-K Reports Third Quarter 2016 Financial and Operating Results

ME Staff
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Ophthotech Corporation (NASDAQ:OPHT) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 and provided an update on the Company’s business and product development programs.

  • The Company expects to announce initial topline data from two Phase 3 trials of Fovista®(pegpleranib) in combination with Lucentis® (ranibizumab) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in this fourth quarter.  A third Phase 3 trial investigating Fovista® in combination with either Eylea® (aflibercept) or Avastin® (bevacizumab) completed patient recruitment in June 2016.  The Company expects initial topline data from this third Phase 3 trial to be available in the second half of 2017.
  • Results from Ophthotech’s Phase 2b Fovista®combination therapy study in wet AMD patients were published in October 2016 in Ophthalmology®, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The published article, “Dual Antagonism of PDGF and VEGF in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration,” can be accessed online under “Articles in Press” at: http://www.aaojournal.org/inpress.
  • Ophthotech continues to enroll patients in its Phase 2/3 trial of Zimura®in patients with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry AMD. In addition, its Phase 2 trial evaluating the potential role of Zimura® when administered in combination with anti-VEGF drugs for the treatment of wet AMD has been activated.

“This is an exciting time for Ophthotech as we prepare for data from two trials of Fovista® in combination with Lucentis® for the treatment of wet AMD,” said David R. Guyer, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ophthotech.  “We look forward to providing initial topline data in this fourth quarter.”

Financial Highlights

  • Cash Position: As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $321.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.
  • Revenues: Collaboration revenue was $1.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, compared to $3.4 million for the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, collaboration revenue was $45.6 million compared to $46.7 million for the same period in 2015. Collaboration revenue was in connection with the Company’s Licensing and Commercialization Agreement with Novartis Pharma AG.
  • R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $50.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 compared to $40.5 million for the same period in 2015.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 research and development expenses were $136.9 million compared to $97.1 million for the same period in 2015. Research and development expense increased in both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to the Company’s Fovista®Phase 3 clinical program, including manufacturing expenses and personnel costs which include share-based compensation expense.
  • G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $12.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 compared to $10.4 million for the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, general and administrative expenses were $37.2 million compared to $32.0 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in general and administrative expenses in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 relates primarily to an increase in costs to support the Company’s expanded operations and infrastructure, which consists of additional management, corporate staffing, professional services and consulting fees, and increased share-based compensation.
  • Net Loss: The Company reported a net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 of $60.9 million, or ($1.71) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $39.6 million, or ($1.14) per diluted share, for the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $127.1 million, or ($3.59) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $70.1 million, or ($2.03) per diluted share, for the same period in 2015.

Conference Call/Web Cast Information

Ophthotech will host a conference call/audio web cast to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results, its development programs and provide a general business update. The call is scheduled for November 8, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in this conference call, dial 888-684-1282 (USA) or 913-312-1458 (International), passcode 8738770. A live, listen-only audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of the Ophthotech website at: www.ophthotech.com. A replay will be available approximately two hours following the live call for two weeks. The replay number is (888) 203-1112 (USA Toll Free), passcode 8738770. The audio webcast can be accessed at: www.ophthotech.com.

About Ophthotech Corporation

Ophthotech is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel therapeutics to treat back of the eye diseases, with a focus on developing innovative therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ophthotech’s most advanced product candidate, Fovista® anti-PDGF therapy, is in Phase 3 clinical trials for use in combination with anti-VEGF therapy that represents the current standard of care for the treatment of wet AMD. Ophthotech’s second product candidate, Zimura®, an inhibitor of complement factor C5, is being developed for the treatment of geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD, and in combination with anti-VEGF therapy in wet AMD patients. For more information, please visit www.ophthotech.com.