Dynavax Reports Second Quarter 2014 Financial Results and Safety and Pharmacodynamic Results for Asthma and Lupus Drug Candidates


BERKELEY, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 7, 2014) - Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: DVAX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 and pharmacodynamic and safety results from clinical studies of its asthma drug candidate partnered with AstraZeneca and its systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) drug candidate partnered with GlaxoSmithKline.

Second quarter 2014 financial results

Dynavax had $154.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2014. Total operating expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 of $27.9 million increased by $10.4 million compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2014 as a result of the initiation of HBV-23 and significant subject enrollment in this pivotal phase 3 trial during the quarter.

"We are very pleased with our progress on HBV-23," said Eddie Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Dynavax. "HEPLISAV-B will, if approved, provide patients a valuable alternative to currently available vaccines, and we are committed to bringing this important product to the market. In parallel, we are developing our pipeline to take full advantage of our platform and expertise in TLR immune modulation."

In April 2014, Dynavax initiated HBV-23, a large safety and immunogenicity study of its investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine. The study was designed to provide a sufficiently-sized safety database for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to complete its review of the HEPLISAV-B Biologics License Application. It is being conducted at 40 sites in the U.S. and will include approximately 8,250 subjects. Dynavax expects that all HBV-23 study subjects will be enrolled by the end of 2014 and all follow-up visits will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2015.

Safety and pharmacodynamic results for asthma and SLE drug candidates

In a Phase 1 study, 4 weekly doses of a TLR9 agonist, AZD1419, or placebo were delivered by inhalation to 45 healthy volunteers. Ascending doses up to 15.4 mg/week for 4 weeks were well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed in treated subjects. Secondary endpoints assessing pharmacodynamics were met, with dose-dependent induction of interferon-regulated genes in sputum and blood cells. Based on these results, Dynavax and its collaboration partner, AstraZeneca, are evaluating protocols for a clinical trial in patients with asthma.

In a Phase 1b/2a study, the safety and pharmacodynamics of a bifunctional TLR7 and TLR9 inhibitor, DV1179, were assessed in 52 SLE patients screened for elevated expression of interferon-regulated genes. DV1179 did not meet the primary or secondary pharmacodynamic endpoints related to reduction in interferon alpha-regulated genes. Doses up to 60 mg/week for 8 weeks were well tolerated. The most common adverse events were injection site reactions. GlaxoSmithKline will review the data package and determine whether to exercise its option to license DV1179.

About Dynavax

Dynavax, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops novel vaccines and therapeutics in the areas of infectious and inflammatory diseases and oncology. Dynavax's lead product candidate is HEPLISAV-B, a Phase 3 investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine. For more information visit www.dynavax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements, including expectations for the conduct, timing and sufficiency of an additional clinical trial for HEPLISAV-B and plans to continue clinical development of AZD1419. 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 review and approval of HEPLISAV-B and our process for its manufacture can occur without significant delay or additional studies; whether our studies and manufacturing efforts are sufficient to support registration for commercialization of HEPLISAV-B in either or both of the US and Europe; the timing for and costs of achieving the size of the safety database; 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, including whether a US or European licensure application will be approved; our ability to obtain additional financing to support the development and commercialization of HEPLISAV-B and our other operations; possible claims against us, including enjoining sales of HEPLISAV-B, 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 our current periodic reports with the SEC.

   
   
DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)  
(Unaudited)  
   
    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2014     2013     2014     2013  
Revenues:                                
  Collaboration revenue   $ 2,031     $ 1,356     $ 4,404     $ 2,239  
  Grant revenue     1,007       1,395       2,132       2,155  
  Service and license revenue     10       641       10       1,083  
Total revenues     3,048       3,392       6,546       5,477  
                                 
Operating expenses:                                
  Research and development     23,639       12,805       36,870       26,969  
  General and administrative     4,085       7,636       8,242       16,436  
  Unoccupied facility expense     178       -       255       -  
Total operating expenses     27,902       20,441       45,367       43,405  
                                 
Loss from operations     (24,854 )     (17,049 )     (38,821 )     (37,928 )
                                 
Interest income     55       54       120       126  
Interest expense     -       (27 )     -       (59 )
Other income (expense)     22       (142 )     84       (128 )
                                 
Net loss   $ (24,777 )   $ (17,164 )   $ (38,617 )   $ (37,989 )
                                 
Basic and diluted net loss per share   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.21 )
                                 
Shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share     262,861       182,913       262,863       182,934  
                                 
                                 
 
 
DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2014   2013
Assets            
  Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities   $ 154,313   $ 189,376
  Property and equipment, net     8,789     8,706
  Goodwill     2,557     2,579
  Other assets     7,806     3,961
Total assets   $ 173,465   $ 204,622
             
Liabilities and stockholders'equity            
  Deferred revenues   $ 8,294   $ 7,298
  Other liabilities     14,501     11,030
  Total liabilities     22,795     18,328
  Stockholders' equity     150,670     186,294
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 173,465   $ 204,622
             
             

Contact Information:

Contact:
Michael Ostrach
Chief Business and Principal Financial Officer
510-665-7257