OHR PHARMACEUTICAL INC – 10-Q – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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Certain statements contained in this report, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the
History and Recent Events General and Historical Summary
The Company is a biotechnology company focused on the development of the Company's previously acquired compounds with a focus on the clinical development of our two later stage lead products, Squalamine for the treatment of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration ("AMD") using an eye drop formulation, and OHR/AVR118 for the treatment of cancer cachexia (multi-symptom wasting disorder). We acquired OHR/AVR118 in a secured party sale and Squalamine from the
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The Company is currently engaged in the clinical testing of the Squalamine eye drop program for the treatment of wet-AMD and OHR/AVR118 for cancer cachexia.
Historical
Prior Business - The Company was originally formed under the name
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Acquisition of Pharmaceutical Business
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Until the Company is able to generate significant revenue from its principal operations, it will remain classified as a development stage company. The Company can give no assurance that it will be successful in such efforts or that its limited operating funds will be adequate to continue the Company as a public company, nor is there any assurance of any additional funding being available to the Company.
Product Pipeline Squalamine
Squalamine is a small molecule anti-angiogenic drug with a novel intracellular mechanism of action. The drug acts against the development of aberrant neovascularization by inhibiting multiple protein growth factors of angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor ("VEGF"), platelet-derived growth factor ("PDGF") and basic fibroblast growth factor growth factor ("bFGF"). Recent clinical evidence has shown PDGF to be an additional target for the treatment of Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration ("Wet-AMD"). Using an intravenous formulation in over 250 patients in Phase I and Phase II trials for the treatment of Wet-AMD, the trials demonstrated that the molecule had biological effect and maintained and improved visual acuity outcomes, with both early and advanced lesions responding.
Ohr reformulated Squalamine for ophthalmic indications from an intravenous infusion ("IV") to a topical eye drop. Preclinical testing has demonstrated that the eye drop formulation is both safe to ocular tissues and achieves in excess of target anti-angiogenic concentrations in the tissues of the back of the eye. The topical formulation is designed for enhanced uptake to the back of the eye and decreased potential for side effects. The Company plans on advancing its clinical wet-AMD program with this topical formulation. In
Squalamine eye drops are designed for self-administration which may provide several potential advantages over the
15 ? Eye drops versus standard of care which is an intravitreal injection directly into the eye every 4-8 weeks on a chronic basis ? Reduction or elimination of intravitreal injections has the potential to provide patients with improved safety by reducing or eliminating side effects associated with the intravitreal injection procedure ? Inhibition of multiple growth factors may achieve superior visual acuity outcomes. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that inhibiting VEGF and PDGF together may provide patients with better visual acuity outcomes than anti-VEGF therapy alone ? Cost advantage of manufacturing a small molecule when compared to large molecule proteins and antibodies
In Phase II clinical trials using the intravenous formulation of Squalamine, stabilization or improvement in visual activity was observed in the vast majority of patients, with both early and advanced lesions responding and few drug-related ocular or systemic effects observed. In a number of patients whose wet-AMD had progressed to an advanced stage, the administration of Squalamine produced beneficial effects and significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity. As opposed to the approved current standard of care therapy, Squalamine does not require direct injection into the eye.
The Company conducted preclinical testing on the novel topical formulation with the following results:
? Ocular Tolerance and Toxicity: In a dose escalation safety study involving daily eye drop treatment in Dutch belted rabbits over a 28 day period, the formulation proved safe, and exhibited no signs of ocular toxicity or changes in intraocular pressure. Importantly, no macroscopic or histopathological changes to the ocular tissues were noted. ? Single Dose Biodistribution study: A single eye drop was administered to the front of the eye in Dutch belted rabbits. At all evaluated timepoints, drug concentrations in the posterior sclera-choroid region behind the retina at the back of the eye exceeded the tissue concentrations of Squalamine that are known to block the choroidal neovascularization process in Wet-AMD. ? Multi Dose Biodistribution Study: Squalamine eye drops were administered once or twice daily in both eyes for up to 14 days in Dutch belted rabbits. The eyes were examined one full dosing interval (12 hours when given twice daily, 24 hours when given once daily) after the last administration of Squalamine eye drops to determine concentrations of Squalamine in the posterior ocular tissues ("Trough" level). At all time points and dosing regimens, Trough Squalamine concentrations exceeded tissue concentrations of Squalamine that are known to block the choroidal neovascularization process in Wet-AMD. ? Long Term Ocular Tolerance and Toxicity: In a 26-week safety and toxicity study in male and female Dutch belted rabbits, Squalamine or placebo eye drops were administered via topical instillation twice a day in both eyes. Ophthalmoscopic examinations were conducted throughout the study period to assess ocular toxicity (irritation, redness, swelling, discharge). Blood and urine samples for clinical pathology evaluations were collected, and blood samples for determination of the plasma concentrations of squalamine eye drops and toxicokinetic evaluations were collected from all animals at designated time points. At study termination, necropsy examinations were performed, and organs and optical tissues were microscopically examined. No adverse effects of treatment were observed in any of the parameters evaluated including clinical findings, body weights, food consumption, ocular irritation, hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis and macroscopic pathology examinations. Importantly, ophthalmoscopic examinations indicated no signs of clouding of the lens, no corneal opacities or deposits, and no increase in intraocular pressure. In addition, microscopic histopathology evaluations on ocular tissues were normal. Squalamine also did not build up in plasma over long term administration, indicating reduced potential for systemic side effects.
The Company presented preclinical data at the
We commenced a clinical study, named OHR-002, at the end of
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Additionally, Squalamine has shown promise in the treatment of solid tumors such as ovarian cancer using the intravenous formulation in significantly higher doses than the eye drop formulation. In a Phase IIa study, patients with stage III and IV refractory and resistant ovarian cancer received Squalamine in conjunction with carboplatin, with approximately two thirds of the patients achieving a complete response, partial response or stable disease. Squalamine has been awarded Orphan Drug Status by the
OHR/AVR118
OHR/AVR118 is a novel immunomodulator with a singular chemical structure that is terminally sterilized and endotoxin-free. The compound is composed of two small peptides, Peptide A, which is 31 amino acids long, and Peptide B, that is 21 amino acids long. Peptide B is unique in that the dinucleotide, diadenosine, is covalently attached to serine at position 18 through a phosphodiester bond. OHR/AVR118 is stable at room temperature and has a favorable safety profile both in animal toxicity studies and in human clinical trials.
The Company has completed a Phase II clinical trial of OHR/AVR 118 for the treatment of cancer cachexia at a leading cancer center in
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Patients had the option to continue receiving study drug after completing the initial 28 day treatment period if they and their doctor felt it was in their best interest, and 11 of the 18 patients (61%) elected to do so, being treated with the drug for a total of between 42 to 153 days. Sustained body weight stabilization was maintained even on prolonged therapy with the drug in this sub-group of patients. Importantly, these results were seen despite the fact that 7 of the 18 patients were receiving concomitant chemotherapy, and 1 was receiving concomitant radiotherapy during the trial treatment period with OHR/AVR118. Ordinarily, chemotherapy and radiation exacerbate the symptoms of cachexia. The drug was well tolerated by the patients in the study. The Company expects to present additional detailed data in a presentation at a scientific meeting focused on cachexia and wasting disorders in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company is exploring potential strategic opportunities to further the OHR/AVR118 clinical program, however we currently do not have plans to enter into such a transaction and there is no assurance that the Company will complete such a transaction.
Ohr also owns various other compounds in earlier stages of development, including the PTP1b inhibitor, trodusquemine, and related analogs, which it is conducting preclinical research on with an academic laboratory, and will seek to develop further through a strategic partnership, joint venture, or on a sponsored basis; however we currently do not have plans to enter into such a transaction and there is no assurance that the Company will complete such a transaction.
Liquidity and Sources of Capital
The Company has limited working capital reserves with which to continue development of its pharmaceutical products and continuing operations. The Company is reliant, at present, upon its capital reserves for ongoing operations and has no revenues.
Not including the non-cash stock warrant derivative liability of
17 Significant Subsequent Events
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Results of Operations
Three Months Ended
Three months ended
Results of Operations - Three Months 2013 2012 Change Operating Expenses General and administrative$ 138,545 $ 30,644 $ 107,901 Professional fees 319,063 133,160 185,903 Research and development 416,274 353,032 63,242 Salaries and wages 461,693 117,889 343,804 Total Operating Expenses 1,335,575 634,725 700,850 Operating Income (Loss) (1,335,575 ) (634,725 ) (700,850 ) Gain (loss) on derivative liability - 174,867 (174,867 ) Gain on settlement of debt - - - Other income and expenses (2,856 ) (895 ) (1,961 ) Income (loss) from operations (1,338,431 ) (460,753 ) (877,678 ) Discontinued operations - - - Net Income (Loss)$ (1,338,431 ) $ (460,753 ) $ (877,678 )
The Company had no net revenues from continuing operations in the three months ended
General and administrative expenses from continuing operations increased from
The Company incurred
The Company had other income and expenses in 2013 of (
For the three months ended
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Nine Months Ended
Nine months ended
Results of Operations - Nine Months 2013 2012 Change Operating Expenses General and administrative$ 242,557 $ 98,969 $ 143,588 Professional fees 440,243 358,657 81,586 Research and development 1,428,576 1,040,352 388,224 Salaries and wages 707,093 541,402 165,691 Total Operating Expenses 2,818,469 2,039,380 779,089 Operating Income (Loss) (2,818,469 ) (2,039,380 ) (779,089 ) Gain (loss) on derivative liability (1,117,642 ) 496,899 (1,614,541 ) Gain on settlement of debt - 21,005 (21,005 ) Other income and expenses 87,070 (857 ) 87,927 Income (loss) from operations (3,849,041 ) (1,522,333 ) (2,326,708 ) Discontinued operations - - - Net Income (Loss)$ (3,849,041 ) $ (1,522,333 ) $ (2,326,708 )
The Company had no net revenues from continuing operations in the nine months ended
General and administrative expenses from continuing operations increased from
The Company incurred
The Company issued certain securities to investors at various times that qualify for derivative accounting which requires that the value of these warrants be recorded as a liability instead of within permanent equity. These derivatives are then marked to their fair value at the end of each reporting period with changes being recorded in earnings. As the Company's stock price increased during 2013 the value of these derivatives have increased, resulting in an increase in the liability and a non-cash loss on derivative liability of
The Company had other income and expenses in 2013 of
For the nine months ended
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