BERKELEY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: DVAX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $127.0 million at June 30, 2017 compared to $81.4 million at December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to net proceeds of $88.2 million during the first half of 2017 from sales of common stock under an at-the-market sales agreement.
Additional Financial Results
The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $20.3 million, or $0.41 per share, compared to $29.0 million, or $0.75 per share, for the same period in 2016. The net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $45.6 million, or $1.00 per share, compared to $56.0 million, or $1.46 per share, for the same period in 2016.
Research and development expenses for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2017 were $14.8 million and $31.2 million, respectively, compared to $22.8 million and $42.8 million for the same periods in 2016. The decrease in the 2017 periods reflect reduced compensation and related personnel costs as a result of the January 2017 restructuring and cost reduction initiative. Additionally, the 2017 periods reflect lower costs related to HEPLISAV-B™ [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted] clinical and manufacturing activity partially offset by increased costs relating to seeking regulatory approval for HEPLISAV-B and the ongoing development of SD-101 and earlier stage oncology programs.
General and administrative expenses for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2017 were $5.6 million and $12.1 million, respectively, compared to $9.2 million and $17.3 million for the same periods in 2016. The decrease in the 2017 periods reflect reduced compensation and related personnel costs as a result of the January 2017 restructuring and cost reduction initiative. Additionally, the 2016 periods included costs related to hiring of consultants for administrative and commercial development services for an anticipated commercial launch of HEPLISAV-B.
About HEPLISAV-B
HEPLISAV-B is an investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine that combines hepatitis B surface antigen with a proprietary Toll-like Receptor 9 agonist to enhance the immune response. In Phase 3 trials, HEPLISAV-B showed higher and earlier protection with fewer doses than a currently licensed hepatitis B vaccine. The most frequently reported local reaction was injection site pain. The most common systemic reactions were fatigue, headache and malaise, all of which were similar to an existing vaccine.
HEPLISAV-B is administered in two doses over one-month. Currently marketed hepatitis B vaccines are administered in three doses over a six-month schedule. Results of a published Vaccine Safety Datalink study showed that only 54 percent of adults completed the three-dose hepatitis B vaccine series in one year1. Those who do not complete the series may not be adequately protected against hepatitis B.
Dynavax has worldwide commercial rights to HEPLISAV-B.
About SD-101
SD-101 is Dynavax's proprietary, second-generation, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG-C class oligodeoxynucleotide. SD-101 is being studied for its multiple anti-tumor activities in innate immune cells and activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells to stimulate T cells specific for antigens released from dying tumor cells. TLR9 agonists such as SD-101 enhance T and B cell responses and provide potent Type 1 interferon induction and maturation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells to antigen-presenting cells. SD-101 is being evaluated in several Phase 1/2 oncology studies to assess its safety and activity.
For information about SD-101 trials that are currently recruiting patients, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
1 Nelson, J. et al. American Journal of Public Health, "Compliance with Multiple-Dose Vaccine Schedules Among Older Children, Adolescents and Adults: Results from a Vaccine Safety Datalink Study." 2009. Vol. 99 No. S2.
About Dynavax
Dynavax is a clinical-stage immunology company focused on leveraging the power of the body's innate and adaptive immune responses through toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Dynavax is developing product candidates for use in multiple cancer indications, as a vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis B and as a disease modifying therapy for asthma. Dynavax's lead product candidates are SD-101, an investigational cancer immunotherapeutic currently in Phase 1/2 studies, and HEPLISAV-B, a Phase 3 investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine. For more information visit www.dynavax.com.
