Dynavax Anticipates Earlier BLA Submission for HEPLISAV
2009 Financial Results Reviewed
BERKELEY, CA, Mar 16, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Dynavax Technologies Corporation /quotes/comstock/15*!dvax/quotes/nls/dvax (DVAX 1.57, -0.02, -1.26%) today said that its large-scale Phase 3 study of HEPLISAV(TM) is fully enrolled, with immunization of subjects proceeding in accordance with the pre-specified safety monitoring plan. Dynavax indicated that it expects immunization of all 2,000 subjects with HEPLISAV in the lot-to-lot consistency study will be completed in the near future, an achievement that creates the opportunity to submit a BLA in the third quarter of 2011, approximately six months earlier than previously projected.
According to Dino Dina, M.D., President and CEO, "The accelerated enrollment and immunization of subjects for the safety and consistency study of HEPLISAV is an important accomplishment that we expect will facilitate the successful conclusion of several ongoing financing discussions. Clearly, this is our highest priority to ensure the success of the program."
Dynavax separately reported $36.7 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2009. This compares to $46.4 million at September 30, 2009, of which $21.7 million were investments held by Symphony Dynamo, Inc. (SDI). The $9.7 million burn for the fourth quarter primarily reflected intensified activities relating to the initiation of the two Phase 3 multi-center trials for HEPLISAV in the U.S., Canada and Germany. The year-end 2009 results do not include a $4.0 million payment due from Merck as announced this week. The results do not reflect a separate $1.8 million payment from AstraZeneca representing a reimbursement adjustment for 2009 and prior periods.
Today Dynavax filed its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a result of the Company's current financial position, Dynavax's independent registered public accounting firm has included a statement regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern in its unqualified opinion contained in the Form 10-K. This announcement is being made in compliance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4350(b)(1)(B), which requires separate disclosure of a recent audit opinion that contains "going concern" explanatory language. Management's plan to address the Company's liquidity requirements and a more detailed discussion of the financial results is provided in the Form 10-K.
The tables included as part of this press release provide a reconciliation of GAAP revenues and operating expenses to pro forma revenues and operating expenses.
About HEPLISAV
HEPLISAV is an investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine candidate is being evaluated in two Phase 3 studies that are directed toward fulfilling licensure requirements in U.S., Canada and Europe. In a completed pivotal Phase 3 trial, HEPLISAV demonstrated increased, rapid protection with fewer doses than current licensed vaccines. Dynavax has worldwide commercial rights to HEPLISAV and is developing the vaccine for large, high-value populations that are less responsive to current licensed vaccines, including individuals with chronic kidney disease. HEPLISAV combines hepatitis B surface antigen with a proprietary Toll-like Receptor 9 agonist known as ISS to enhance the immune response.
About Hepatitis B Vaccines
Currently available hepatitis B vaccines require three doses over six months to achieve full immunogenicity in healthy patient populations. Because compliance with this vaccine regimen is low, new vaccines are needed to provide increased protection in a shorter timeframe. Furthermore, currently available vaccines do not fully address the needs of several patient populations, including those with chronic kidney disease, HIV or chronic liver disease. In particular, patients with comprised immune systems require both rapid and enhanced protection, either because they are less responsive to conventional vaccine regimens or because they are at high risk of infection.
About Dynavax
Dynavax Technologies Corporation, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops novel products to prevent and treat infectious diseases. The Company's lead product candidate is HEPLISAV, an investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine designed to enhance protection more rapidly and with fewer doses than current licensed vaccines. For more information visit www.dynavax.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to clinical trial status, BLA submission and financing. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, including whether successful clinical and regulatory development and approval of HEPLISAV can occur in a timely manner or without significant additional studies or difficulties or delays in development or clinical trial enrollment, whether the studies can support registration for commercialization of HEPLISAV; the results of clinical trials and the impact of those results on the initiation and completion of subsequent trials and issues arising in the regulatory process; the Company's ability to obtain additional financing to support the development and commercialization of HEPLISAV and its other operations, possible claims against the Company based on the patent rights of others; and other risks detailed in the "Risk Factors" section of our current periodic reports with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available. Information on Dynavax's website at www.dynavax.com is not incorporated by reference in the Company's current periodic reports with the SEC