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VBL Therapeutics Announces Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

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VBL Therapeutics (VBLT) announced positive interim results for its VB-111 in the OVAL Phase 3 ovarian cancer study, achieving a 58% response rate. A second interim analysis confirmed that the study will proceed without modifications. The company submitted a pre-IND application for VB-601 targeting immune-inflammatory conditions in June and presented promising data for treating NASH and colitis. Financially, VBLT reported $158,000 in revenues for Q2 2020, with a net loss of $5.8 million. Cash reserves are expected to last into Q3 2022, following successful fundraising efforts.

Positive
  • VB-111 achieved a 58% or higher response rate in the OVAL Phase 3 study.
  • Successful second interim analysis confirming the study's continuation without modifications.
  • Pre-IND application for VB-601 submitted, with promising results in NASH and colitis.
  • Secured cash position expected to fund operations into Q3 2022.
Negative
  • Reported net loss of $5.8 million for Q2 2020, compared to a loss of $4.7 million in the same period in 2019.
  • Research and development expenses increased to approximately $4.9 million, up from $3.7 million in the prior year.
Positive data from the first interim analysis in the OVAL Phase 3 Potential Registration Study of VB-111 in Ovarian Cancer were presented at ASCO20; response rate in the VB-111 treatment arm was 58% or higher
   
Successful pre-planned second interim analysis in OVAL, with a positive Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) review looking at overall survival - the primary endpoint of the trial; study to proceed without modification
   
MOSPD2 program for inflammation:
   
 oPre-IND application for VBL’s VB-601 mAb candidate for immune-inflammatory indications was submitted to the FDA in June 
   
 oNew data implicating the potential of anti-MOSPD2 antibodies for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and colitis presented at DDW 
   
 oPreclinical data in RA presented at EULAR 2020
  
MOSPD2 program for cancer:
   
 oNew data on bispecific antibodies featured at late breaking abstract session at AACR
  
Cash position secured into the third quarter of 2022 
  
Conference Call and Webcast at 8:30am Eastern Time Today

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VBL Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VBLT) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020, and provided a corporate update.

“We have made excellent progress advancing our lead candidate VB-111 during 2020,” said Dror Harats, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of VBL Therapeutics. “The first interim analysis in our OVAL Phase 3 pivotal study in ovarian cancer demonstrated the potential benefit of VB-111 over standard-of-care in a randomized-controlled study, and the recent positive second interim analysis indicates that the trial continues to be on the right track. OVAL has shown strong recruitment despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, when the Company blindly reviews response rate data in all trial participants, that is in the treatment and control groups combined, we are very encouraged by the high response rate of over 50% of the total evaluable patients, which has been maintained. The investigator sponsored studies of VB-111 in GBM and colorectal cancer are headed for initiation. Our MOSPD2 programs are gaining momentum, with pre-IND application for our lead candidate VB-601 for inflammation, and recent scientific presentations in NASH and colitis at DDW, in rheumatoid arthritis at EULAR 2020 and in oncology at the AACR meeting.”

Second Quarter and Recent Key Corporate Highlights:

VB-111

Efficacy data from first interim analysis in the OVAL were reported in March and presented at the ASCO20 Annual Meeting, showing 58% or higher objective response rate.
   
 oOVAL independent DSMC reviewed unblinded data and determined that the study has met the interim pre-specified criterion of an absolute percentage advantage of 10% or higher in CA-125 response in the VB-111 treated arm compared to control. The DSMC recommended that the study proceed without modification. 
   
 oOverall response rate in the first 60 randomized evaluable patients was 53%. Assuming a balanced randomization, it can be deduced that the response rate in the treatment arm (VB-111 in addition to weekly paclitaxel) was 58% or higher. 
   
 oIn patients with post-treatment fever, the response was 69%. Fever is frequently observed after VB-111 treatment.
  
Successful second pre-planned interim analysis, with a positive DSMC review of OS data, the primary endpoint of the OVAL Phase 3 potential registration study, was completed on August 11.
   
 oIndependent DSMC reviewed unblinded data of the first 100 patients with follow-up of at least 3 months and determined that the study should proceed without modification.
  
Two investigator sponsored VB-111 Phase 2 studies, in rGBM, at Dana Farber Cancer Center and other leading neuro-oncology centers, and in metastatic colorectal cancer by the NCI, are on track for initiation.

MOSPD2

Pre-IND application for VBL’s VB-601 mAb for immune-inflammatory indications was submitted to the FDA in June. The application is currently under review by the agency.
   
Announced new data implicating the potential of its anti-MOSPD2 antibodies for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and colitis at DDW 2020.
   
 oTreatment with anti-MOSPD2 antibodies was shown to decrease inflammation and fibrosis in a NASH model and significantly reduce disease activity in a colitis model. VBL’s study was rated in the top 10% of all abstracts in this category and was selected as Poster of Distinction.
   
Presented new data at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) implicating the potential of proprietary anti-MOSPD2 antibodies for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
   
 oTreatment with anti-MOSPD2 antibodies significantly inhibited arthritis progression in the collagen-induced arthritis model (p<0.005). The treatment reduced >50% of disease severity and blocked further disease progression.
   
 oAnti-MOSPD2 demonstrated higher activity than anti-TNFa in the advanced phase of the disease.
   
Published a new manuscript demonstrating the potential of MOSPD2 antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS). The results add to a growing body of data demonstrated activity of VBL’s antibodies in models of chronic inflammatory disease. 
   
Presented new data demonstrating the potential of anti-MOSPD2 immune-mediated targeting of solid tumors at the Annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Virtual Annual Meeting II.
   
 oMOSPD2 bi-specific antibody candidates induced T-cell activation and significantly extended the survival of animals carrying established metastatic cervical and breast cancer. 
   
 oThe data presented demonstrated that the bi-specific antibody candidates mediated killing of tumor cells by CD8 T-cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced T-cell activation in-vivo.

VB-201

The world-leading European animal health company partner, that is evaluating VB-201 for veterinary applications, advised that the program met a pre-determined milestone. This triggered an undisclosed cash payment to VBL.

Corporate:

Raised $18.1 million of gross proceeds in two registered direct offerings
  
Awarded a non-dilutive grant of up to 3.175 million New Israeli Shekels (NIS; approximately $0.9 million) by the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA).

Quarter Ended June 30, 2020 Financial Results:

Cash Position: At June 30, 2020, VBL had cash, cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits and restricted bank deposit totaling $41.3 million and working capital of $36.1 million. VBL expects that its cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits will be sufficient to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the third quarter of 2022.
  
Revenue: Revenues for the second quarter, 2020 were $158 thousand, compared to $138 thousand for the comparable period in 2019.
  
Research and Development Expenses: Research and Development expenses, net, were approximately $4.9 million for the second quarter, compared to approximately $3.7 million in the comparable period of 2019.
  
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses for the second quarter were $1.1 million, compared to $1.2 million for the same period of 2019.
  
Comprehensive Loss: VBL reported a net loss for three-month period ended June 30, 2020 of $5.8 million, or ($0.14) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4.7 million, or ($0.13) per diluted share, in the same period of 2019.

For further details on VBL’s financials, please refer to Form 6-k filed with the SEC.

Conference Call:

Thursday, August 13 @ 8:30amET

From the US: 877-407-9208
International: 201-493-6784
Israel local Number: 1-809-406-247
Conference ID: 13707066
Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/y7tts2sv

About VBL

Vascular Biogenics Ltd., operating as VBL Therapeutics, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for areas of unmet need in cancer and immune/inflammatory indications.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “look forward to,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our programs, including VB-111, VB-600, including their clinical development, therapeutic potential, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on VBL's business, operations, clinical trials, supply chain, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines and clinical results. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include market and other conditions, uncertainties associated generally with research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory reviews and approvals, the risk that historical clinical trial results may not be predictive of future trial results, that our financial resources do not last for as long as anticipated, and that we may not realize the expected benefits of our intellectual property protection. In particular, the DSMC recommendation that the OVAL trial proceed is not assurance that the trial will meet its primary endpoint of overall survival once completed. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in our regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, and subsequent filings with the SEC. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. VBL Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Michael Rice
LifeSci Advisors
(646) 597-6979


VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(UNAUDITED)

  June 30, 2020  December 31, 2019 
  U.S. dollars in thousands 
Assets      
CURRENT ASSETS:        
Cash and cash equivalents $16,702  $9,436 
Short-term bank deposits  24,045   27,100 
Short-term restricted bank deposits  153   - 
Trade Receivables  118   - 
Other current assets  1,703   1,242 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  42,721   37,778 
         
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:        
Restricted bank deposits  358   506 
Property and equipment, net  6,455   6,949 
Right-of-use assets  2,840   3,088 
Long-term prepaid expenses  300   300 
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS  9,953   10,843 
TOTAL ASSETS $52,674  $48,621 
         
Liabilities and equity        
CURRENT LIABILITIES-        
Accounts payable and accruals:        
Trade $2,241  $3,330 
Other  3,247   4,238 
Deferred revenue  533   386 
Lease liabilities  641   774 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  6,662   8,728 
         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES-        
Severance pay obligations, net  163   163 
Deferred revenue  1,283   1,723 
Other non-current liability  82   - 
Lease liabilities  1,946   2,167 
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES  3,474   4,053 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  10,136   12,781 
         
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
Ordinary shares, NIS 0.01 par value; Authorized as of June 30, 2020 and
December 31, 2019, 70,000,000 shares; issued and ‎outstanding as of June
30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 47,896,736 and 35,882,928 shares,
respectively
  108   73 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  (8)  (8)
Additional paid in capital  251,331   235,974 
Warrants  10,401   7,904 
Accumulated deficit  (219,294)  (208,103)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  42,538   35,840 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $52,674  $48,621 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
 

VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(UNAUDITED)

  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2020  2019  2020  2019 
             
             
             
  U.S. dollars in thousands 
REVENUES $158  $138  $524  $357 
COST OF REVENUES  (60)  (50)  (113)  (88)
GROSS PROFIT  98   88   411   269 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES, net $4,865  $3,729  $9,616  $7,037 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES  1,074   1,181   2,242   2,437 
OPERATING LOSS  5,841   4,822   11,447   9,205 
FINANCIAL INCOME  (37)  (223)  (329)  (499)
FINANCIAL EXPENSES  34   91   73   166 
FINANCIAL INCOME, net  (3)  (132)  (256)  (333)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS $5,838  $4,690  $11,191  $8,872 


LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE U.S. dollars 
                 
Basic and diluted $0.14  $0.13  $0.28  $0.25 


  Number of shares 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ORDINARY SHARES OUTSTANDING-            
Basic and diluted  42,674,526   35,881,128   39,354,355   35,881,128 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.

 


FAQ

What are the latest results for VBL Therapeutics' VB-111 study?

The VB-111 study in ovarian cancer demonstrated a 58% response rate in a recent interim analysis.

What is the financial performance of VBL Therapeutics in Q2 2020?

VBL reported revenues of $158,000 and a net loss of $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2020.

What is the cash position of VBL Therapeutics?

As of June 30, 2020, VBL had cash reserves of $41.3 million, expected to last into the third quarter of 2022.

What is the purpose of the pre-IND application for VB-601?

The pre-IND application for VB-601 targets immune-inflammatory indications and has been submitted to the FDA.

Vascular Biogenics Ltd.

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