- Access to PreHevbrio [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)]
continues to broaden in the U.S. and beyond, with additional
approvals received in 2022 in Europe and Canada
- Clinical data expected throughout 2023 from: (i) VBI-2601: two
ongoing Phase II studies in chronically infected hepatitis B (HBV)
patients, and (ii) VBI-2901: first clinical study of multivalent
vaccine candidate designed to increase breadth of protection
against COVID-19 and related coronaviruses
- Additional clinical studies expected to initiate in Q2 and
mid-year 2023 assessing VBI-1901 in both the recurrent and primary
glioblastoma (GBM) settings, respectively
VBI Vaccines Inc. (Nasdaq: VBIV) (VBI), a biopharmaceutical
company driven by immunology in the pursuit of powerful prevention
and treatment of disease, today provided a business update and
announced financial results for the year ended December 31,
2022.
Jeff Baxter, VBI’s President and CEO commented: “The
achievements of 2022, across our pipeline, set 2023 up for a strong
start, and I am encouraged by the building momentum for PreHevbrio
as well as for our development-stage candidates targeting chronic
hepatitis B, glioblastoma, and broader protection against COVID-19.
We remain intensely focused on three priorities: (i) making a
difference in the fight against hepatitis B, (ii) advancing our
pipeline candidates targeting additional significant medical and
public health needs, and (iii) managing our operating expenses and
capital to fuel sustainable growth and value for key stakeholders –
patients, healthcare providers, and shareholders. The potential
impact our programs can have on patients and public health grows
each year, and I am excited for the continued evolution of VBI in
2023.”
Notable Recent Program Achievements and
Projected Upcoming Milestones
Hepatitis B (HBV): Working to Address Both Sides of the Fight
Against HBV – Prevention and Treatment
PreHevbrio™ [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)]
- Net product sales of $0.9 million in 2022, following the U.S.
launch at the end of Q1 2022
- In Q1 2023, product access agreements were put in place with
six retail pharmacy chains, including three of the top 10 national
retail chains and three of the top 10 regional retail pharmacy
networks
- Reimbursement coverage is now estimated to be in place for 75%
of Medicare-insured lives, 75% of commercially insured lives, and
more than 60% of lives under state Medicaid plans
- Momentum for PreHevbrio continues to build, with customer
acquisition rate more than doubling since the beginning of Q4
2022
Outside of the U.S.:
- Now approved in the United Kingdom, European Union/European
Economic Area (brand name PreHevbri®), and in Canada (brand name
PreHevbrio)
- H1 2023: As part of our partnership with Valneva,
announced in September 2022, we expect PreHevbri will be available
in certain European markets beginning in the first half of
2023
- 2023: We expect to make PreHevbrio available in Canada
beginning in 2023
VBI-2601 (BRII-179): HBV Immunotherapeutic Candidate
- Initial Phase 2 data, announced in February 2023, suggest
VBI-2601 in combination with BRII-835, an HBV-targeting siRNA,
induced stronger anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific
T-cell and antibody responses compared to the siRNA alone; to date,
two patients who received the combination regimen achieved maximum
reductions in HBsAg at or below the lower limit of quantification
(LLOQ) by Week 40
- Represents strong HBV-specific immunomodulator data and
suggests that VBI-2601 has the potential to be part of a functional
cure regimen
- Later in 2023: Additional data from this combination
study expected to be announced
- Q3 2023: Interim topline data expected from part one of
the two-part Phase 2a/2b combination study evaluating VBI-2601
(BRII-179) as an add-on to existing pegylated interferon
(PEG-IFN-α) and nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor
(Nrtl) therapy in non-cirrhotic chronic HBV patients
Glioblastoma (GBM): Survival Benefit and Tumor Responses
Observed – Moving to Next Phase of Development
VBI-1901: Cancer Vaccine Immunotherapeutic Candidate
- Program has now received both U.S. FDA Orphan Drug Designation
(announced in June 2022) and FDA Fast Track Designation (announced
in June 2021) for the treatment of GBM
- Data from the Phase II study, as presented throughout 2022,
demonstrated improvement in 6-, 12-, and 18-month overall survival
compared to historical controls, two partial tumor responses (with
one patient on protocol for more than two years achieving a maximum
tumor reduction of 93%), and 10 stable disease observations
- Based on the data seen to-date, we anticipate assessing
VBI-1901 in randomized, controlled studies in both the primary and
recurrent GBM settings
- Q2 2023: Expected initiation of next phase of
development in recurrent GBM setting
- Mid-Year 2023: Expected initiation of VBI-1901 study
arm, as part of the Individualized Screening Trial of Innovative
Glioblastoma Therapy (INSIGhT), a Phase 2 adaptive platform trial,
in combination with Agenus’ anti-PD-1, balstilimab, in the primary
GBM setting
COVID-19 & Coronaviruses: Targeting Broader Immunity –
Clinical Data Expected Mid-Year 2023
VBI-2901: Multivalent Coronavirus Vaccine Candidate
- Partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations (CEPI) expanded to advance the development of
multivalent coronavirus vaccines that could be deployed against
COVID-19 as well as future “Coronavirus X” (announced in December
2022)
- Mid-year 2023: Interim data expected from Phase 1 study
of VBI-2901, VBI’s vaccine candidate that expresses the SARS-CoV-2
(COVID-19), SARS-CoV-1 (SARS), and MERS-CoV (MERS) spike
proteins
Additional Corporate
Updates
- Debt Financing: In September 2022, VBI closed a refinanced and
upsized debt facility of up to $100 million with existing lender,
K2 HealthVentures (K2HV), adding $20 million of non-dilutive
funding to the balance sheet
Financial Results for the Twelve Months
Ended December 2022
- Cash Position: As of December 31, 2022 VBI had $62.6
million in cash compared with $121.7 million in cash as of December
31, 2021.
- Revenues, net: Revenues, net for the full year 2022 were
$1.1 million, compared to $0.6 million for the same period in 2021.
The increase was due to an increase in U.S. product revenue related
to the launch of PreHevbrio in the U.S.
- Cost of Revenues: Cost of revenues was $11.3 million for
the full year 2022 as compared to $10.8 million in 2021. The
increase was due to increased outsourced testing costs, direct
labor costs, and increased inventory related costs for our
3-antigen HBV vaccine.
- Research and Development (R&D): R&D expenses for
the year ended December 2022 were $15.5 million compared to $19.6
million in 2021. R&D expenses were offset by $8.9 million and
$14.9 million in government grants and funding arrangements, in
2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in R&D expenses
related to a refund of $2.9 million received from the FDA related
to the Prescription Drug User Fee Act program fee for PreHevbrio
and a decrease in costs for our coronavirus vaccine program, offset
by an increase in R&D expenses for VBI-1901 as we prepare for
clinical studies in primary and recurrent GBM patients.
- Sales, General, and Administrative (G&A): SG&A
expenses for the full year 2022 were $56.1 million compared to
$38.3 million for the full year 2021. The increase in SG&A
expenses, partially offset by government grants and funding
arrangements, was a result of the increased commercial activities
related to PreHevbrio in the U.S., most notably the deployment of
our U.S. promotional field team and development of our distribution
infrastructure. Additional increased costs include increased
insurance costs, increased professional costs, and increased labor
costs.
- Net Cash Used in Operating Activities: Net cash used in
operating activities for the full year 2022 was $73.7 million,
compared to $39.9 million for the same period in 2021. The increase
in cash outflows was largely due to commercial expenses for the
launch of PreHevbrio in the U.S, increased usage of cash as we
build inventory for continued commercialization, less funding
received from CEPI, and changes in other operating working capital
balances. Additionally, there was $1.0 million cash advanced from
CEPI pursuant to the CEPI Funding Agreement during 2022 compared to
$18.4 million cash advanced from the CEPI Funding Agreement in
2021.
- Net Loss and Net Loss Per Share: Net loss and net loss
per share for the full year 2022 were $113.3 million and $0.44,
respectively, compared to a net loss of $69.8 million and a net
loss per share of $0.27 for the full year 2021.
- Net Loss and Net Loss Per Share, Excluding Foreign Exchange
Loss: Net loss and net loss per share, excluding foreign
exchange loss, for the full year 2022 were $85.8 million and $0.33,
respectively, compared to a net loss and a net loss per share,
excluding foreign exchange loss, of $72.8 million and $0.29 for the
full year 2021. Foreign exchange loss for the full year 2022 was
$27.5 million as compared to a gain of $3.0 million for the full
year 2021. Certain intercompany loans between VBI Vaccines Inc. and
our subsidiaries are denominated in a currency other than the
functional currency of each entity. The primary driver of the
increase in foreign exchange loss was the impact of the relative
strengthening of the U.S. and Canadian Dollars against the New
Israeli Shekel upon translation of these intercompany loans.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Net Loss Excluding Foreign Exchange Loss and Net Loss per Share
Excluding Foreign Exchange Loss are non-GAAP financial measures.
VBI’s management believes that the presentation of Net Loss
Excluding Foreign Exchange Loss and Net Loss per Share Excluding
Foreign Exchange Loss is useful to investors because management
does not consider foreign exchange loss, which is primarily driven
by changes in exchange rates related to certain intercompany loans,
when evaluating VBI’s operating performance. Non-GAAP financial
measures are meant to supplement, and to be viewed in conjunction
with, GAAP financial results. The presentation of these non-GAAP
financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a
substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures and should be
read only in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements
prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of the Company’s
non-GAAP measures are included below.
The following represents a reconciliation of Net Loss to Net
Loss Excluding Foreign Exchange Loss and Net Loss per Share
Excluding Foreign Exchange Loss.
Year Ended December 31
2022
2021
(Unaudited)
(In 000’s except share and per
share amounts)
Net Loss
$
(113,303
)
$
(69,753
)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain
(27,476
)
3,011
Net loss excluding foreign
exchange loss
$
(85,827
)
$
(72,764
)
Weighted-average number of
shares
258,257,296
254,947,202
Net loss per share excluding
foreign exchange loss
$
(0.33
)
$
(0.29
)
About PreHevbrio [Hepatitis B Vaccine
(Recombinant)]
PreHevbrio is the only 3-antigen hepatitis B vaccine, comprised
of the three surface antigens of the hepatitis B virus – S, pre-S1,
and pre-S2. It is approved for use in the U.S., European
Union/European Economic Area, United Kingdom, Canada, and Israel.
The brand names for this vaccine are: PreHevbrio™ (US/Canada),
PreHevbri® (EU/EEA/UK), and Sci-B-Vac® (Israel).
Please visit www.PreHevbrio.com for U.S. Important Safety
Information for PreHevbrio [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)], or
please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information.
U.S. Indication
PreHevbrio is indicated for prevention of infection caused by
all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus. PreHevbrio is approved for
use in adults 18 years of age and older.
U.S. Important Safety Information (ISI)
Do not administer PreHevbrio to individuals with a history of
severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) after a previous dose
of any hepatitis B vaccine or to any component of PreHevbrio.
Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available
to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration
of PreHevbrio.
Immunocompromised persons, including those on immunosuppressant
therapy, may have a diminished immune response to PreHevbrio.
PreHevbrio may not prevent hepatitis B infection, which has a
long incubation period, in individuals who have an unrecognized
hepatitis B infection at the time of vaccine administration.
The most common side effects (> 10%) in adults age 18-44,
adults age 45-64, and adults age 65+ were pain and tenderness at
the injection site, myalgia, fatigue, and headache.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy
outcomes in women who received PreHevbrio during pregnancy. Women
who receive PreHevbrio during pregnancy are encouraged to contact
1-888-421-8808 (toll-free).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact VBI Vaccines at
1-888-421-8808 (toll-free) or VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or
www.vaers.hhs.gov.
Please see Full Prescribing Information.
About VBI Vaccines Inc.
VBI Vaccines Inc. (“VBI”) is a biopharmaceutical company driven
by immunology in the pursuit of powerful prevention and treatment
of disease. Through its innovative approach to virus-like particles
(“VLPs”), including a proprietary enveloped VLP (“eVLP”) platform
technology, VBI develops vaccine candidates that mimic the natural
presentation of viruses, designed to elicit the innate power of the
human immune system. VBI is committed to targeting and overcoming
significant infectious diseases, including hepatitis B,
coronaviruses, and cytomegalovirus (CMV), as well as aggressive
cancers including glioblastoma (GBM). VBI is headquartered in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, with research operations in Ottawa,
Canada, and a research and manufacturing site in Rehovot,
Israel.
Website Home: http://www.vbivaccines.com/ News and Resources:
http://www.vbivaccines.com/news-and-resources/
Investors: http://www.vbivaccines.com/investors/
Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking
Information
Certain statements in this press release that are
forward-looking and not statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
and are forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian
securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). The
Company cautions that such forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties that may materially affect the Company’s results
of operations. Such forward-looking statements are based on the
beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to management. Actual results could
differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking
statements as a result of certain factors, including but not
limited to, the impact of general economic, industry or political
conditions in the United States or internationally; the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing effects of the COVID-19
pandemic on our clinical studies, manufacturing, business plan, and
the global economy; the ability to successfully manufacture and
commercialize PreHevbrio/PreHevbri; the ability to establish that
potential products are efficacious or safe in preclinical or
clinical trials; the ability to establish or maintain
collaborations on the development of pipeline candidates and the
commercialization of PreHevbrio/PreHevbri; the ability to obtain
appropriate or necessary regulatory approvals to market potential
products; the ability to obtain future funding for developmental
products and working capital and to obtain such funding on
commercially reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to manufacture
product candidates on a commercial scale or in collaborations with
third parties; changes in the size and nature of competitors; the
ability to retain key executives and scientists; and the ability to
secure and enforce legal rights related to the Company’s products.
A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and
uncertainties with respect to the Company, is set forth in the
Company’s filings with the SEC and the Canadian securities
authorities, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with
the SEC on March 13, 2023, and filed with the Canadian security
authorities at sedar.com on March 13, 2023, as may be supplemented
or amended by the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Given
these risks, uncertainties and factors, you are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are
qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All such
forward-looking statements made herein are based on our current
expectations and we undertake no duty or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as
required by law.
VBI Vaccines Inc. and
Subsidiaries
Selected Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
62,629
$
121,694
Accounts receivable, net
94
8
Inventory, net
6,599
2,576
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets
8,368
6,006
Total current assets
77,690
130,284
Property and equipment, net
12,253
11,037
Intangible assets, net
58,345
62,091
Goodwill
2,127
2,261
Other non-current assets
4,671
4,603
Total Assets
$
155,086
$
210,276
Liabilities and stockholder’s
equity
Accounts payable
$
12,973
$
4,280
Other current liabilities
23,969
28,306
Total current liabilities
36,942
32,586
Total non-current liabilities
53,981
33,808
Total liabilities
90,923
66,394
Total stockholders' equity
64,163
143,882
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity
$
155,086
$
210,276
VBI Vaccines Inc. and
Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited, In Thousands Except
Share and Per Share Amounts)
For the Years Ended December
31
2022
2021
Revenues, net
$
1,082
$
631
Operating expenses
Cost of revenue
11,276
10,770
Research and development
15,506
19,558
Sales, general, and
administrative
56,120
38,335
Total operating expenses
82,902
68,663
Loss from operations
(81,820
)
(68,032
)
Interest income (expense),
net
(4,007
)
(4,732
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
(27,476
)
3,011
Loss before income taxes
(113,303
)
(69,753
)
Income tax benefit
-
-
Net Loss
$
(113,303
)
$
(69,753
)
Basic and diluted net loss per
share
$
(0.44
)
$
(0.27
)
Weighted-average number of shares
used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share
258,257,296
254,947,202
Other comprehensive income (loss)
- currency translation adjustments
23,005
(2,830
)
Comprehensive Loss
$
(90,298
)
$
(72,583
)
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230313005265/en/
Nicole Anderson Director, Corporate Communications & IR
Phone: (617) 830-3031 x124 Email: IR@vbivaccines.com
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