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Micromet, Inc.

Micromet, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Financial Results

Carlsbad, California (ots/PRNewswire)

Micromet, Inc. (Nasdaq: MITI) ("Micromet" or the "Company"), a
biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel,
proprietary antibody-based products for cancer, inflammatory and
autoimmune diseases, today announced its financial results for the
fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2006. As a result
of the reverse merger between Micromet AG and CancerVax Corporation
that was completed on May 5, 2006, the financial information included
below for the fiscal year 2005 and through May 5, 2006 is based
solely on Micromet AG's historical financial statements without the
inclusion of the financial results of CancerVax.
    Recent Highlights:
    -- Micromet received a US$10 million milestone payment from Merck Serono
       following the completion of phase 2 clinical trials of adecatumumab
       (MT201) and amended their collaboration agreement to continue
       development of adecatumumab.
    -- Micromet presented clinical results from a phase 2a trial of
       adecatumumab in metastatic breast cancer at the annual Breast Cancer
       Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
    -- Micromet presented encouraging interim data from an ongoing phase 1
       clinical trial of MT103 during an oral presentation session at the
       48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in
       Orlando. MT103 is being developed for the treatment of patients with
       B cell-derived lymphomas and leukemias.
    -- Micromet published preclinical results for its humanized antibody D93
       in the International Journal of Cancer.
    -- Morphotek obtained an exclusive worldwide license from Micromet for an
       antibody targeting an antigen with potential for the treatment of
       certain cancers, including melanoma.
    -- Micromet granted TRACON Pharmaceuticals exclusive worldwide rights to
       develop and commercialize Micromet's D93 antibody with a novel mode of
       action for the treatment of cancer. Under the terms of the agreement,
       TRACON will pay Micromet an upfront license fee and milestone payments
       of more than US$100 million, if D93 is successfully developed and
       commercialized.
Financial Results:
Quarter Ended December 31, 2006
For the three months ended December 31, 2006, Micromet recognized
revenues of US$13.8 million, compared to US$8.7 million for the same
period in 2005. Included in 2006 revenues was the receipt of a
US$10.0 million milestone payment from Merck Serono following the
completion of two phase 2 clinical trials for adecatumumab. Total
operating expenses were US$10.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2006, compared to US$9.4 million for the same period in
2005. For the three months ended December 31, 2006, Micromet reported
net income of US$3.4 million, or US$0.11 per basic and diluted share,
compared to a net loss of US$6.7 million, or US$0.42 per basic and
diluted share, for the same period in 2005. The positive net income
is due primarily to the milestone payment received from Merck Serono.
Year Ended December 31, 2006
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006 were US$27.6
million, compared to US$25.7 million for 2005. For the year ended
December 31, 2006, Micromet reported operating expenses of US$61.2
million, compared to US$35.4 million for the same period in 2005. In
connection with the merger with CancerVax, Micromet recorded a
non-recurring, non-cash charge of US$20.9 million in the second
quarter due to the immediate write-off of CancerVax's in-process
research and development programs. For the year ended December 31,
2006, net loss was US$34.0 million, or US$1.29 per basic and diluted
share, compared to US$19.1 million, or US$3.70 per basic and diluted
share, for 2005.
Micromet's cash and cash equivalents were US$24.3 million as of
December 31, 2006. Based on the status of our development programs,
we believe this cash balance is sufficient to fund our operations
into the second quarter of 2008.
Summary of Recent Events:
Interim Data from an Ongoing Phase 1 Clinical Trial of MT103
On December 12, 2006, Micromet presented interim data from an
ongoing phase 1 European clinical trial of MT103 (also known as
MEDI-538) during an oral presentation session on "Targeted Therapy of
Non-Hodgkin-Lymphoma (NHL)" at ASH. MT103, which is being
co-developed with MedImmune, is a drug being developed for the
treatment of patients with B cell-derived lymphomas and leukemias.
The interim data indicated that MT103 is well tolerated overall at
the dose levels administered, and Micromet cited the observation of
clinical responses in heavily pre-treated, advanced-stage NHL
patients.
Phase 2a Data in Metastatic Breast Cancer with Adecatumumab
Presented at San Antonio Breast Cancer Meeting
On December 15, 2006, Micromet and its collaborative partner Merck
Serono reported at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Meeting, San
Antonio, Texas, on the outcome of a phase 2a trial testing the
activity of adecatumumab in metastatic breast cancer. Adecatumumab, a
fully human monoclonal antibody targeting tumor cells overexpressing
the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), was assessed as a
single agent for efficacy and safety in patients with EpCAM-positive
metastatic breast cancer (N=109). This clinical trial evaluated
adecatumumab at two dose levels in patients with high and low EpCAM
expression. While the primary endpoint was not met, the results
indicated dose dependent activity of adecatumumab, as well as a trend
towards longer time to progression for patients expressing high
levels of EpCAM on their primary tumor. Adecatumumab was generally
well tolerated with the observation of a dose-dependent increase in
the incidence of Grade 1-2 adverse events (AEs). Adecatumumab is also
being evaluated in combination with docetaxel in an ongoing phase 1b
clinical trial in Europe. The information from the current trials
will be used to further refine the targeted patient population and
dosing regimens, as well as to explore other solid tumor settings.
US$10 million Milestone Payment from Merck Serono
On December 4, 2006, Micromet announced that it had received a
US$10 million milestone payment from Merck Serono. The milestone
payment was made in connection with the completion of two phase 2
clinical trials with adecatumumab evaluated as a single agent for the
treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer and prostate
cancer, respectively.
Merck Serono Collaboration Amendment
On December 5, 2006, Micromet announced that Merck Serono and
Micromet had agreed to amend their collaboration agreement under
which the two companies are developing adecatumumab. The companies
are planning additional exploratory and clinical activities to
identify the optimal dosing regimen, as well as explore additional
indications for adecatumumab and initiate a new phase 1 monotherapy
study for the treatment of patients with solid tumors which we plan
to begin in 2007. Merck Serono will reimburse Micromet for its costs
incurred in connection with the development program.
First International EpCAM Symposium
On January 29, 2007 Micromet reported in the British Journal of
Cancer on proceedings from an international symposium on EpCAM
(CD326). EpCAM is one of the most frequently and intensely expressed
tumor-associated antigens known. EpCAM overexpression is linked to
poor survival in several tumor types including breast, ovarian and
pancreatic cancer; is associated with increased metastatic potential;
and is found on tumor stem cells. Micromet has two product candidates
targeting EpCAM in development which target EpCAM: adecatumumab, a
human antibody, which is in clinical development, and MT110, a BiTE
molecule, which is in formal preclinical development.
Morphotek License
On February 12, 2007, Micromet and Morphotek Inc., a privately
held biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and
development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, announced that
Morphotek exercised its option under a 2004 agreement to obtain an
exclusive worldwide license for an antibody targeting an antigen with
potential activity for the treatment of certain cancers, including
melanoma. Under the terms of the agreement with Morphotek, Micromet
has received a payment in connection with the exercise of the option
by Morphotek and is eligible to receive development milestone
payments and royalties on net sales. Morphotek is planning to file an
investigational new drug (IND) application later this year and to
commence clinical trials in 2008.
TRACON License
Today, Micromet announced an agreement granting TRACON
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company
focused on the development of products for cancer treatment, the
exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Micromet's
D93 antibody with a novel mode of action for the treatment of cancer.
Under the terms of the agreement, TRACON will be responsible for all
development and commercial activities and plans to initiate a phase 1
clinical trial in the second half of this year. Micromet will receive
license fees and milestone payments from TRACON of US$100 million, if
D93 is successfully developed and commercialized. In addition, we
will receive royalties on worldwide sales.
Summarizing the events, Christian Itin, Ph.D., President and Chief
Executive Officer of Micromet said: "We are well on track with the
post-merger integration and continue to make progress with our entire
product pipeline. On the clinical development front, we have reported
interim phase 1 results for the MT103 NHL program at the recent ASH
meeting in Orlando and phase 2a results at the San Antonio Breast
Cancer Meeting for adecatumumab and look forward to continuing to
move these programs forward. Our financial position was further
strengthened with the receipt of the US$10 million milestone payment
from Merck Serono on the adecatumumab program in the fourth quarter
of 2006. Furthermore, we expect to announce additional results of our
clinical and preclinical programs, as well as business development
efforts during the first half of 2007."
    2007 Outlook:
    -- Micromet and its partner MedImmune plan to initiate a first clinical
       trial with MT103/MEDI-538 in non-Hodgkins lymphoma patients in the
       U.S. and a phase 2 clinical trial in acute lymphatic leukemia in
       Europe.
    -- Micromet and its partner Merck Serono will continue their ongoing
       phase 1b trial in metastatic breast cancer with adecatumumab in
       combination with docetaxel and are planning to initiate a phase 1
       clinical trial to test adecatumumab in other solid tumors.
    -- Micromet plans to advance its preclinical development program for
       MT110 towards an IND/IMPD filing in 2007, and is evaluating strategic
       corporate collaborations with this program.
    -- Micromet and its partner TRACON Pharmaceuticals plan to initiate a
       phase 1 clinical trial for D93 in the second half of 2007.
    -- Micromet is continuing its outlicensing activities with respect to
       MT203 and MT204.
    -- Micromet will continue its research and development programs for the
       discovery of new BiTE product candidates.
Conference Call and Audio Webcast Today, March 16, 2007, at 9:00am
Eastern Time
Micromet will host a conference call and audio webcast today to
discuss these financial results at 9:00 am Eastern Time (2:00 pm
Central European Time). To participate in this conference call, dial
+1-866-713-8565 (U.S.) or +1-617-597-5324 (international), passcode:
Micromet. The audio webcast can be accessed at: www.micromet-inc.com.
A replay of the call will be available from 12:00 pm Eastern Time
on March 16, 2007 (5:00 pm Central European Time) through Wednesday,
March 21, 2007. The replay number is +1-888-286-8010 (U.S.) or
+1-617-801-6888 (international), passcode: 53343055.
About Micromet, Inc. (www.micromet-inc.com)
Micromet, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the
development of novel, proprietary antibody-based products for cancer,
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Two product candidates are
currently in clinical trials. MT103 (MEDI-538), which is the first
product candidate based on Micromet's proprietary BiTE(R) product
development platform, is being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial
for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The BiTE(R)
product development platform is based on a unique, antibody-based
format that leverages the cytotoxic potential of T cells, the most
powerful 'killer cells' of the human immune system. Adecatumumab
(MT201), a recombinant human monoclonal antibody which targets EpCAM
expressing tumors, has completed two phase 2a clinical trials, one in
patients with breast cancer and the other in patients with prostate
cancer. In addition, a phase 1b trial evaluating the safety and
tolerability of adecatumumab in combination with docetaxel is
currently ongoing in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Micromet
has established collaborations with MedImmune, Inc. and Merck Serono.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be
materially different from historical results or from any future
results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements include statements regarding the efficacy,
safety, and intended utilization of Micromet's product candidates,
the conduct and results of future clinical trials, plans regarding
regulatory filings, future research, discovery of new product
candidates, and clinical trials, and plans regarding partnering
activities, outlicensing activities, and the establishment and growth
of key management functions in the U.S. Factors that may cause actual
results to differ materially include difficulties encountered in
integrating CancerVax and Micromet AG, the risk that product
candidates that appeared promising in early research and clinical
trials do not demonstrate safety and/or efficacy in larger-scale or
later clinical trials, the risk that the Company will not obtain
approval to market its products, the risks associated with reliance
on outside financing to meet capital requirements, the risks
associated with reliance on collaborative partners for future
revenues under the terms of its existing collaboration agreements,
further clinical trials, development and commercialization of product
candidates, and the risks associated with recruiting, incorporating
and retaining individuals to fill key management functions. You are
urged to consider statements that include the words "may," "will,"
"would," "could," "should," "believes," "estimates," "projects,"
"potential," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends,"
"continues," "forecast," "designed," "goal," or the negative of those
words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking.
These factors and others are more fully discussed in Micromet's
periodic reports and other filings with the SEC, including the "Risk
Factors" sections of such reports.
Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, as such, speak only
as of the date made. Micromet undertakes no obligation to publicly
update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
    Micromet, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except par value)
    (All figures in US$)
                                                   December 31,  December 31,
                                                      2006          2005
    Assets
    Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                       $24,301        $11,414
     Accounts receivable                               2,319          2,170
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets         2,048          1,043
    Total current assets                              28,668         14,627
    Property and equipment, net                        3,357          3,513
    Loans to related parties                               -            213
    Loans to employees                                    78             70
    Goodwill                                           6,917              -
    Patents, net                                       8,850          9,705
    Deposits and other assets                            243            113
    Restricted cash                                    3,059            636
    Total assets                                     $51,172        $28,877
    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
    Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                 $1,680         $1,287
     Accrued expenses                                 10,153          6,534
     Other liabilities                                   366          1,927
     Short-term note                                   1,320          2,852
     Current portion of long-term debt obligations       599          3,638
     Current portion of convertible notes payable          -          2,761
     Current portion of deferred revenue               2,972          6,035
    Total current liabilities                         17,090         25,034
    Convertible notes payable, net of current portion      -         11,844
    Deferred revenue, net of current portion             195             52
    Other non-current liabilities                      1,961            949
    Long-term debt obligations, net of current
     portion                                           7,408          5,531
    Commitments
    Stockholders' equity (deficit):
     Preferred stock, $0.00004 par value; 10,000
      shares authorized; no shares issued and
      outstanding                                          -              -
     Common stock, $0.00004 par value; 150,000 shares
      authorized; 31,419 and 17,915 shares issued and
      outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005,
      respectively                                         1              1
     Additional paid-in capital                      163,482         67,181
     Stock subscription from conversion                    -         23,108
     Stock subscription receivable                       (27)          (242)
     Accumulated other comprehensive income            5,869          6,234
     Accumulated deficit                            (144,807)      (110,815)
    Total stockholders' equity (deficit)              24,518        (14,533)
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
     (deficit)                                       $51,172        $28,877
    Micromet, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                             Three Months Ended           Year Ended
                                December 31,              December 31,
                              2006         2005        2006          2005
    Revenues
     Collaboration
      agreements            $12,596      $ 6,798      $25,449      $23,130
     License fees             1,085        1,818        1,959        2,482
     Other                      126           63          175          111
    Total revenues           13,807        8,679       27,583       25,723
     Operating expenses
     Research and
      development             7,385        7,714       28,252       28,579
     In-process research
      and development             -            -       20,890            -
    General and
     administrative           3,495        1,732       12,012        6,861
    Total operating
     expenses                10,880        9,446       61,154       35,440
    Income/(loss) from
     operations               2,927        (767)     (33,571)      (9,717)
    Other income (expenses)
     Interest expense         (193)      (1,147)      (1,725)      (5,176)
     Interest income            161           90          743          335
     Other income (expense)     500        (121)          561          288
    Net income/(loss)        $3,395     $(1,945)    $(33,992)    $(14,270)
     Beneficial conversion
      charge on issuance of
      preferred shares            -      (4,780)            -      (4,780)
    Net income/(loss)
     attributable to common
     shareholders            $3,395     $(6,725)    $(33,992)    $(19,050)
    Basic net income/(loss)
     per common share         $0.11      $(0.42)      $(1.29)      $(3.70)
    Diluted net income/
     (loss) per common
     share                    $0.11      $(0.42)      $(1.29)      $(3.70)
    Weighted average shares
     used to compute basic
     net income/(loss) per
     share                   31,416       15,239       26,366        5,147
    Weighted average shares
     used to compute
     diluted net income/
     (loss) per share        31,966       15,953       26,366        5,147
Web site: http://www.micromet-inc.com

Contact:

Christopher Schnittker, SVP & CFO, of Micromet, Inc.,
+1-760-494-4238, cschnittker@micromet-inc.com; or Investor, Susan
Noonan (U.S.), +1-212-966-3650, susan@sanoonan.com, or Ines-Regina
Buth (Europe), +49-30-2363-2768, ines@akampion.com; or Media,
Patricia Garrison (U.S.), +1-917-322-2567, pgarrison@rxir.com, or
Evelyn Wolf (Europe), +49-89-4445-2099, evelyn@akampion.com, all for
Micromet, Inc.