Category Archives: PRNews

CStone Raises $260 million in Series B Financing to Advance Novel Cancer Therapies

SUZHOU, China, May 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — CStone Pharmaceuticals (“CStone”) announced today the successful completion of a $260 million (about RMB1.65 billion) financing, the largest Series B funding in the history of the China biopharmaceutical industry. The investment was led by GIC Private Limited, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, with participation from new investors including Sequoia China, Yunfeng Capital, 6 Dimensions Capital, CITIC PE, Taikang Insurance Group, ARCH Venture Partners, Hillhouse Capital, King Star Capital, 3W Partners, AVICT, and Terra Mafnum Capital Partners. Existing investors also participated in this round, including Oriza Seed Venture Capital , Boyu Capital, and WuXi Healthcare Ventures (currently a 6 Dimensions Capital fund). Together with the $150 million raised in Series A financing in 2016, this most recent round of funding brings the total capital raised to $410 million (about RMB2.63 billion).

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Suzhou, China, CStone is an innovative biopharmaceutical company led by a management team comprised of seasoned executives from top multinational pharmaceutical companies. Since its founding, CStone has focused on the development of innovative drugs and combination therapies in immuno-oncology, and made significant progress in the establishment and clinical development of its rich pipeline. As of today, CStone has built a portfolio of more than ten assets, including four in various clinical stages. In particular, CS1001, China’s first full-length and fully human anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, is completing Phase I dose escalation study and will soon enter registrational trials. The Suzhou Translational Medicine Research Center, established by CStone at the end of 2017, will further enhance the efficiency of clinical development.

Dr. Frank Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of CStone, commented, “We appreciate the recognition and support from top domestic and overseas investors, which enabled our Series B financing to be completed in merely two months. As a young but pragmatic innovative biopharmaceutical company, we have grown rapidly in less than two years, making significant progress in pipeline development, external collaboration, and establishment of core team. This round of financing is critical for CStone’s current and near-term growth.

Choo Yong Cheen, Chief Investment Officer of Private Equity at GIC, said, “GIC is pleased to be the lead investor in this financing round by CStone. CStone is one of China’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies, with a strong pipeline, a world-class management team and a team of clinical developers with international calibre. We are confident in the long-term growth potential of China’s biopharmaceutical industry and CStone’s leading position in the field of immuno-oncology.

All existing investors from Series A participated in this round of financing, continuing their strong support for CStone’s growth. Dr. Wei Li, Managing Partner of 6 Dimensions Capital, said, “Within only a few years, immunotherapies now account for more than half of the oncology development projects in the world. The era of cancer immunotherapy and combination therapy has arrived. As one of the founding investors, we are delighted to see CStone achieving such remarkable results in the advancement of innovative cancer immunotherapies and are convinced of CStone’s potential. We are thrilled to continuing our support of CStone and their quest for the development of high quality immuno-oncology based combination therapies and becoming the leading biotech company in China.”

The funds raised in this round will be primarily used for clinical development of CS1001 and other clinical stage assets, expanding company pipeline through internal R&D and external partnerships, and attracting top industry talents, for delivering breakthrough therapeutic solutions to cancer patients.

About CStone Pharmaceuticals

CStone Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company devoted to the development of next-generation innovative drugs. With its broad immuno-oncology pipeline, the firm is pursuing a development strategy focused on combination therapy. All members of the management team are seasoned executives from top multinational pharmaceutical companies. CStone has successfully built up an industry leading team with clinical development and translational medicine as its core competence. With substantial funding and robust pipeline, CStone is well positioned as the partner of choice for multinational pharmaceutical / biotech companies to develop drugs in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about CStone Pharmaceuticals, please visit: www.cstonepharma.com

About GIC

GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to manage Singapore’s foreign reserves. A disciplined long-term value investor, GIC is uniquely positioned for investments across a wide range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and infrastructure. In private equity, GIC invests through funds as well as directly in companies, partnering with its fund managers and management teams to help world class businesses achieve their objectives. GIC has investments in over 40 countries and has been investing in emerging markets for more than two decades. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC employs over 1,400 people across 10 offices in key financial cities worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.gic.com.sg.

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CEDRUS Investments WILL launch a new office in Shenzhen

Expanding its Footprint in the Greater China Region and Capitalizing on Life Sciences Innovation and Hi-tech Investment Opportunities

HONG KONG, May 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Cedrus Investments (“Cedrus”), a global boutique investment firm, is pleased to announce that it has obtained approval from the local government to launch a new office in Shenzhen, which will join an array of Cedrus’ offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Jakarta, and Grand Cayman to better serve its clients globally.

Shenzhen has its unique city portrait, including important geographical location (being near the Pearl River Delta, which is considered an emerging megacity) as well as its vigorous market dynamics.  It is one of the fastest-growing cities in China in terms of GDP, and it is the hub for innovation in life sciences and high-tech, which are sectors Cedrus actively focused on making investments. Shenzhen’s proximity to Hong Kong also enhances its strategic importance, as Hong Kong is one of the world’s top financial centers, allowing free flows of capital internationally.

Since Cedrus has been serving as a trusted partner and advisor to companies in the Greater China region in bridging both their inbound and outbound investments for more than a decade, the expansion not only demonstrates the strong track record of success Cedrus has established in the Greater China region but also the firm’s commitment to getting further involved in better serving its clients in a more comprehensive and specialized way.

Mr. Rani Jarkas, Chairman of Cedrus Investments, shared his vision towards the blueprint of Cedrus Investments and the group in general and said that “As Shenzhen is now emerging as a new and within the top-three major financial centers in mainland China along with Beijing and Shanghai, we believe it is necessary to form our own local teams to better capture unique business and investment opportunities in addition to enhancing our local connections and trusted partnerships.

We are looking forward to the upcoming investment opportunities and business diversification made possible by deepening our reach to the vibrant city of Shenzhen, in particular, bringing cutting-edge technology and innovative companies in the life sciences and technology sectors overseas to China to advance its technological development and forge collaborative relationships, thus subsequently boosting Cedrus’ ability to create more investment value to our clients from around the world.”

About Cedrus Investments

Cedrus Investments is a global boutique investment firm that offers expertise in private wealth management, asset management and financial advisory services to a clientele of leading institutional investors, corporations, family offices and high net worth individuals around the world.

For further information about Cedrus Investments, please visit www.cedrusinvestments.com.

Media Enquiry:
Cedrus Investments Ltd.
Amy Sin
+852-3519-2828
information@cedrusinvestments.com

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Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Holds Summit to Help Asia-Pacific Lab Leaders Envision the Lab of the Future

RARITAN, New Jersey and SINGAPORE, May 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (Ortho), a global leader of in vitro diagnostics, will host the Ortho Lab Leader Scientific Summit on May 8 and 9 at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.

The summit, arranged with the support of the College of American Pathologists, will be an opportunity for lab leaders in the Asia-Pacific region to gain insights from some of the brightest minds in the field of diagnostics about the latest innovations in clinical labs and transfusion medicine.

“Ortho is committed to serving as a trusted advisor to the diagnostics community around the world,” said Alex Socarrás, Ortho’s chief commercial officer. “Diagnostics is rapidly evolving to meet increasing challenges and keep pace with medical innovation worldwide, and helping labs thrive despite the increasing pressures they face is important for us.”

Expert speakers from Korea, the U.S. and Europe will cover automation, leadership and quality in the lab, acute kidney injury and cardiac biomarkers, and work practice standardization.

“This year’s Lab Leader Summit continues Ortho’s tradition of bringing together the most innovative thinkers in diagnostics throughout Asia, as we discuss how to address operational challenges and persistent areas of high unmet medical need,” said Anand Pande, head of Ortho’s Asia-Pacific region.

In March, Ortho sponsored a second annual Transfusion Medicine Summit in China. And in July, Ortho will host its third annual “C-Suite Summit” in Singapore to address key issues of priority to senior hospital leaders.

About Ortho Clinical Diagnostics  
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is a global leader of in vitro diagnostics serving the global clinical laboratory and immunohematology communities. Across hospitals, hospital networks, blood banks, and labs in more than 125 countries and territories, Ortho’s high-quality products and services enable health care professionals to make better-informed treatment decisions. For the immunohematology community, Ortho’s blood typing products help ensure every patient receives blood that is safe, the right type and the right unit. Ortho brings sophisticated testing technologies, automation, information management and interpretation tools to clinical laboratories around the world, helping them run more efficiently and effectively, and improve patient care. Ortho’s purpose is to improve and save lives with diagnostics, and it does that by reimagining what’s possible. This is what has defined Ortho for more than 75 years, and it’s what drives Ortho forward. For more information, visit www.orthoclinicaldiagnostics.com.

© Ortho Clinical Diagnostics 2018

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WuXi AppTec Announces Listing of Initial Public Offering of Common Stock on Shanghai Stock Exchange

SHANGHAI, May 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd. (“WuXi AppTec” or “the Company”; Stock Code: 603259), a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company, today announced listing of its initial public offering of 104,198,600 shares of common stock at a public offering price of RMB21.60 per share. Proceeds from the IPO will be used to build and expand its R&D facilities in China, further strengthening its capabilities and capacities to better serve global customers and partners.


WuXi AppTec Announces Listing of Initial Public Offering of Common Stock on Shanghai Stock Exchange

WuXi AppTec, headquartered in Shanghai, is now operating globally with 26 sites and branch offices in China, the United States, Germany, UK, Japan, Korea and Israel.  The Company’s integrated R&D, manufacturing and testing platform for small molecules, cell and gene therapies, and medical devices is supporting over 3,000 customers and partners around the world.


WuXi AppTec Announces Listing of Initial Public Offering of Common Stock on Shanghai Stock Exchange

“I’m deeply grateful for the great confidence and support we have received from the investment community,” said Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and CEO of WuXi AppTec. “It allows us to further focus on our mission and accelerate growth of our enabling platform. Our commitment has always remained the same — we want to empower and enable anyone and any company to advance medicines for patients faster. This commitment will underpin everything we do as we build a strong, valuable and socially responsible public company.”

About WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi AppTec provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services to help our worldwide customers and partners shorten the discovery and development time and lower the cost of drug and medical device R&D through cost-effective and efficient solutions. With its industry-leading capabilities such as small molecule R&D and manufacturing, cell therapy and gene therapy R&D and manufacturing, and medical device testing, WuXi platform is enabling nearly 3,000 innovative collaborators from more than 30 countries to bring innovative healthcare products to patients, and to fulfill WuXi’s dream that “every drug can be made and every disease can be treated.” Please visit http://www.wuxiapptec.com.  

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WuXi STA Changzhou Site Passes First U.S. FDA Inspection

The integrated R&D and manufacturing facility is expecting more products to go into commercial production post approval

SHANGHAI, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (WuXi STA), a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec, announces that its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) R&D and manufacturing facility located in Changzhou, China has secured Pre-Approval Inspection (PAI) for two APIs from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — with no Form 483s issued. This is the first time that WuXi STA’s Changzhou facility has been inspected by the FDA.


WuXi STA Changzhou Site Passes First U.S. FDA Inspection

WuXi STA has already passed several inspections from the FDA at its API and advanced intermediate manufacturing facility in Shanghai, Jinshan and at its drug product manufacturing facility in Shanghai, Waigaoqiao free trade zone. As a global leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), WuXi STA is the first CMC platform (including both APIs and drug product) in China to have passed FDA inspection for new chemical entities. It is also the first CDMO in China that is approved to supply APIs and GMP intermediates for branded commercial drugs by regulatory agencies in the USA, China, EU, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Changzhou facility — which opened in early 2016 and is situated on a site of 39 acres — has been designed to keep pace with the increasing demand WuXi STA is seeing from customers, as more products move into commercial production.

Currently, the facility employs more than 1000 people including 200 scientists and has three plants in operation. However, the company will continue to add more than 300 scientists and seven multi-functional plants within the next five years. As a purpose-built facility, Changzhou offers an integrated one-site solution for partners to accelerate innovative APIs and advanced intermediates — from preclinical and clinical development through to global commercial launch.

“Quality is ingrained throughout our culture here at WuXi STA and one of our core competency. The Changzhou facility passing its first FDA inspection, with no observations, even with no written or verbal recommendations, is yet further proof of our commitment to the highest possible quality standards. It’s a point of great pride that we have an exemplary regulatory record, and evidence of the company’s ability to supply the U.S. market with innovative commercial APIs from Changzhou site,” said Dr. Minzhang Chen, CEO of WuXi STA.

“We are very proud of successfully passing FDA inspection once more,” commented Ms. Mei Hao, Vice President of Quality at WuXi STA. “We will continue to strengthen our global quality systems to meet and surpass even the most stringent regulatory requirements. This ensures we provide the highest standard of quality services to our partners worldwide.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About WuXi STA

STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec (WuXi STA), is a leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing capability and technology platform company serving the life science industry, with operations in China and the United States. As a premier Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), WuXi STA offers our worldwide partners efficient, flexible and high-quality solutions for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms. For more information, please visit: http://www.STApharma.com

About WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi AppTec provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services to help our worldwide customers and partners shorten the discovery and development time and lower the cost of drug and medical device R&D through cost-effective and efficient solutions. With its industry-leading capabilities such as small molecule R&D and manufacturing, cell therapy and gene therapy R&D and manufacturing, and medical device testing, WuXi platform is enabling nearly 3,000 innovative collaborators from more than 30 countries to bring innovative healthcare products to patients, and to fulfill WuXi’s dream that “every drug can be made and every disease can be treated.” Please visit: http://www.wuxiapptec.com

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Vieworks’ VIVIX-S N Series Receives CFDA Clearance

-By strengthening the wireless X-ray flat panel detector lineup, Vieworks is expecting to revamp sales in China

ANYANG, South Korea and BEIJING, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) has cleared two of Vieworks X-ray flat panel detectors, VIVIX-S 1012N and VIVIX-S 1717N, for use in clinical care. “By adding a 10-inch by 12-inch wireless detector and a 17-inch by 17-inch wireless detector to its lineup, Vieworks offers more choice, value, and flexibility to customers,” said Henry Cha, the sales manager at Vieworks.


VIVIX-S 1717N and VIVIX-S 1012N

Key features:

  • Stable AED (Anytime™): Vieworks’ superior automatic exposure detection (AED) function is known for high reliability and high sensitivity without compromising image quality compared to a DR line trigger.
  • Advanced Wireless Communication (Inside AP™): Dual band wireless communication supports direct communication with smart devices (2.4GHz, 5GHz).
  • Built-in Memory up to 200 Images: If a Wi-Fi connection is not stable, the detector automatically saves up to 200 captured images, securing the stability of Wi-Fi usage.
  • Easy Upgrade to Digital (Cassette Size): The size of detectors is the same as a film or a CR cassette, making it easy to upgrade a conventional X-ray system to digital X-ray system.
  • Powerful Software (VXvue): Digital radiography image acquisition viewer for VIVIX-S Series, VXvue enables easy management for simple workflow at medical facilities. With the advanced image processing, PureImpact™, VXvue provides powerful post image processing for efficient diagnosis.

About Vieworks Co., Ltd.

Vieworks offers the most advanced flat panel detectors for digital radiography and digital fluoroscopy. Since 1999, Vieworks has been one of the leading manufacturers of X-ray detectors with advanced digital medical imaging processing, robust hardware design, and excellent usability. The in-house R&D team at Vieworks designs, develops, and manufactures to provide the best solution for your needs. Vieworks software, including the image acquisition application and streamlined PACS system, has various tools that will enhance the daily workflow at medical facilities. For more information, please visit www.vieworks.com.

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Source: Vieworks Co., Ltd.

Mundipharma licenses Starpharma’s VivaGel BV

– Mundipharma licenses Starpharma’s VivaGel® BV for Asia, Middle East, Africa and the majority of Latin America, to be marketed as part of the popular BETADINE® Feminine Care portfolio

– Mundipharma is a leading global pharmaceutical company and owns the successful international brand – BETADINE®

– BETADINE® has a market leading position in Feminine Care, trusted by women globally

– Mundipharma will commence regulatory activities in their licensed territory immediately to secure expedited launch of VivaGel® BV

– Deal terms include milestones of ~A$12.2 million and a revenue share

SYDNEY, May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Starpharma (ASX: SPL, OTCQX: SPHRY) and Mundipharma today announced they have signed a multi-region licence for the sales and marketing rights to VivaGel® BV in Asia (including China, Japan and Korea), the Middle East, Africa and the majority of Latin America.

Mundipharma is one of the largest privately-owned pharmaceutical companies in the world and has a presence in over 120 countries, employing over 8,600 people.

Mundipharma will register and launch VivaGel® BV as part of the popular BETADINE® range, which is sold in more than 120 countries. BETADINE® has a market leading position in Feminine Care and this licence enables Mundipharma to develop the consumer market for VivaGel® BV in rapidly developing markets across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, where demand for trusted intimate health and hygiene products is growing.

Under the licence, Starpharma will receive returns via a revenue share on VivaGel® BV sales. In addition, Starpharma is eligible to receive signing, regulatory and commercial milestones totaling up to A$12.2 million (US$9.2 million) including a A$1.3 million (US$1 million) upfront payment. The term of the agreement is 15 years and incorporates commercial performance obligations, including minimum annual purchases by Mundipharma. Other commercial terms of the agreement remain confidential.

Mundipharma is responsible for regulatory activities, market pricing and marketing and promotion of the product. Mundipharma will commence regulatory activities immediately with initial approvals anticipated towards the end of 2018. Under the agreement, Starpharma retains ownership of the VivaGel® BV trademark and will supply Mundipharma with product.

VivaGel® BV already has regulatory approval in both Europe and Australia. In addition, Starpharma has lodged its New Drug Application (NDA) with the US FDA under a Fast Track designation. The NDA submission provide a comprehensive clinical and regulatory package to support rapid approval in many of Mundipharma’s licensed countries.

Starpharma is also in advanced commercial negotiations for marketing rights to VivaGel® BV in the rest of world, including North America and Europe, and expects to announce further licensing arrangements in the coming months.

Commenting on the licence, Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO of Starpharma said: “We are delighted to have licensed VivaGel® BV to Mundipharma, a global leader in healthcare. Mundipharma’s market leading position and extensive sales, marketing and regulatory network make them the ideal partner for VivaGel® BV in this expansive territory. The licence represents a financially attractive deal for Starpharma. Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with Mundipharma to secure market access for VivaGel® BV as quickly as possible throughout their territory.” 

Raman Singh, Mundipharma CEO, commented: “The VivaGel® BV product represents a true innovation in the management of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It sits well under the BETADINE® brand, which has emerged as a powerful brand platform for consumer healthcare products, trusted by women globally.”

About VivaGel® BV

VivaGel® BV is a patented, water-based vaginal gel for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and prevention of recurrent BV. VivaGel® BV is a breakthrough product which specifically targets the organisms that cause BV, rapidly relieves symptoms and has a novel mechanism of action affecting biofilm. VivaGel® BV is a non-antibiotic therapy and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

About Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal infection for women of childbearing age and affects around 30% of women in the US. It is a highly recurrent condition with 50 60% of sufferers having it recurrently. BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora (the usual bacteria found in a woman’s vagina). Smoking, the use of some hygiene products and several other risk factors are linked to a higher risk of developing BV. Current therapies for BV are inadequate and have many unpleasant side-effects, there are also no approved products in the US for rBV making VivaGel® BV a first-in-class therapy supported by large, randomised clinical studies.

About Mundipharma

Mundipharma and its network of privately owned Independent Associated Companies (IACs) is dedicated to alleviating human suffering and improving quality of life for the human race. The Mundipharma story, spanning over six decades brings together a visionary approach and a pioneering spirit — what is best told through its patients, employees and the communities across six continents in which they serve. Mundipharma is focused on business transformation by leveraging global leadership in pain and, through a shared spirit of innovation, building a growing presence in antisepsis, respiratory, oncology, ophthalmology, consumer healthcare and other specialty areas.

For more information please visit: www.mundipharma.com

About Starpharma

Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX: SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY), located in Melbourne Australia, is an ASX 300 company and is a world leader in the development of dendrimer products for pharmaceutical, life science and other applications.

Starpharma’s underlying technology is built around dendrimers – a type of synthetic nanoscale polymer that is highly regular in size and structure and well suited to pharmaceutical and medical uses.  Starpharma has two core development programs: VivaGel® portfolio and DEP® drug delivery with the Company developing several products internally and others via commercial partnerships.

VivaGel®: Starpharma’s women’s health product – VivaGel® BV is based on SPL7013, astodrimer sodium, a proprietary dendrimer.  VivaGel® BV is approved for marketing in the EU and Australia for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a new drug application is under Fast Track review by the US FDA. Starpharma has licensed the sales and marketing of VivaGel® BV to Mundipharma for 120+ countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and majority of Latin America; and to Aspen Pharmacare for Australia and New Zealand. Starpharma has licence agreements to market the VivaGel® condom (an antiviral condom which includes VivaGel® in the lubricant) in several regions, including Australia, Europe, Canada, China and Japan (Okamoto). The VivaGel® condom has been launched in Australia and Canada under the Lifestyles® Dual Protect™ brand.

DEP® – Dendrimer Enhanced Product®: Starpharma’s DEP® drug delivery platform has demonstrated reproducible preclinical benefits across multiple internal and partnered DEP® programs, including improved efficacy, safety and survival. Starpharma has two internal DEP® products – DEP® docetaxel and DEP® cabazitaxel – in clinical development in patients with solid tumours, and further DEP® products approaching clinical development. Starpharma’s partnered DEP® programs include a multiproduct DEP® licence with AstraZeneca, which involves the development and commercialisation of two novel oncology compounds, with potential to add more.

Starpharma.com | Twitter  | LinkedIn

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements, relating to Starpharma’s business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “promising”, “plans”, “anticipated”, “will”, “project”, “believe”, “forecast”, “expected”, “estimated”, “targeting”, “aiming”, “set to”, “potential”, “seeking to”, “goal”, “could provide”, “intends”,  “is being developed”, “could be”, “on track”, or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential filings or marketing approvals, or potential future sales of product candidates. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that any existing or future regulatory filings will satisfy the FDA’s and other authorities’ requirements regarding any one or more product candidates nor can there be any assurance that such product candidates will be approved by any authorities for sale in any market or that they will reach any particular level of sales. In particular, management’s expectations regarding the approval and commercialization of the product candidates could be affected by, among other things, unexpected trial results, including additional analysis of existing data, and new data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays, or government regulation generally; our ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection; competition in general; government, industry, and general public pricing pressures; and additional factors that involve significant risks and uncertainties about our products, product candidates, financial results and business prospects. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Starpharma is providing this information as of the date of this document and does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or developments or otherwise.

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CStone announces first patient dosed with anti-CTLA-4 antibody CS1002 of a Phase I study in Australia

SUZHOU, China, May 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — CStone Pharmaceuticals (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., (CStone) today announced dosing of the first patient of a Phase I clinical trial in Australia for CS1002, an investigational drug targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4). CS1002 is CStone’s first drug candidate that has entered clinical trials outside of China.

“The successful initiation of this study is an important milestone for CStone. We have several immunotherapy drug candidates set to enter clinical-stage development in Australia along with CS1002,” CStone’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Frank Jiang commented. “Meanwhile, we are also progressing CS1002 into clinical trials in China, where our IND filing was accepted by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) in March 2018. We plan to assess CS1002 as both monotherapy and an important part of combination therapy in the near future.”

The Phase I study is being led by Professor Dusan Kotasek of the Ashford Cancer Centre Research and will assess CS1002’s safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and initial efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors.

“CS1002 has produced highly promising results in pre-clinical studies, and this clinical trial will help us determine the appropriate dose for the molecule in preparation for later-stage development,” commented Dr. Jason Yang, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of CStone.

CS1002 is an immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), fully-human monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4. CStone owns all global rights to CS1002 and intends to develop it for the treatment of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal carcinoma and other solid tumors.

About the CTLA-4 pathway

CTLA-4 is a transmembrane surface protein found on the surface of T cells that under normal conditions helps to maintain homeostasis in the immune system by down-regulating the activity of T cells. The CTLA-4 pathway takes effect during the early stage of immune response prior to the PD-1 checkpoint, occurring principally in the lymph nodes when CTLA-4 on activated T cells binds to its ligands B7-1 (CD80) or B7-2 (CD86) on antigen presenting cells or tumor cells. CTLA-4/B7 interaction out-competes the stimulatory receptor CD28 on T cells and leads to attenuated T cell activity. A blockade of immune checkpoints using antibody drugs has been shown to promote T cell activation and proliferation, as well as stimulate the generation of memory T cells leading to durable anti-tumor response.

Presently, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Yervoy® (ipilimumab) is the only anti-CTLA-4 antibody on the market, but it has not yet been approved in China. Pre-clinical tests have shown that CS1002 has high affinity to CTLA-4 and is expected to match Yervoy® clinical activity and safety in cancer patients.

About CStone Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd

CStone Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company devoted to the development of next-generation innovative drugs. With its broad immuno-oncology pipeline, the firm is pursuing a development strategy focused on combination therapy. In July 2016, CStone announced the completion of its $150 million Series A financing, led by three prestigious VC/PE funds: Oriza Seed Venture Capital, Boyu Capital, and WuXi Healthcare Ventures. All members of the management team are seasoned executives from top multinational pharmaceutical companies. CStone has successfully built up an industry leading team with clinical development and translational medicine as its core competence. With funding and pipeline, CStone is well positioned as the partner of choice for multinational pharmaceutical / biotech companies to develop drugs in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about CStone Pharmaceuticals, please visit: http://www.cstonepharma.com/

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VolitionRx Limited Schedules First Quarter 2018 Earnings Conference Call and Business Update

Conference call to take place Friday, May 11, 2018 at 8:30 am Eastern time

ISNES, Belgium, May 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) (“Volition”) today announced it will host a conference call on Friday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial and operating results from the first quarter of 2018, in conjunction with the filing of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Event: VolitionRx Limited First Quarter 2018 Earnings and Business Update Conference Call
Date: Friday, May 11, 2018
Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time
U.S. & Canada Dial-in: 1-877-407-9716 (toll free)
U.K. Dial-in: 0 800 756 3429 (toll free)
Toll/International: 1-201-493-6779
Conference ID: 13679703

Cameron Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volition, will host the call along with David Vanston, Chief Financial Officer and Scott Powell, Executive Vice President. The call will provide an update on recent developments and Volition’s international activities, including details of new and ongoing clinical trials, important events which have taken place in this quarter, and milestones for 2018 and beyond.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of Volition’s corporate website at http://ir.volitionrx.com. In addition, a telephone replay of the call will be available until May 25, 2018. The replay dial-in numbers are 1-844-512-2921 (toll-free) in the U.S. and Canada and 1-412-317-6671 (toll) internationally. Please use replay pin number 13679703.

About Volition

Volition is a multi-national life sciences company focused on developing simple, easy to use, cost effective blood tests designed to help diagnose a range of cancers.  The tests are based on the technology platform of Nucleosomics®, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid – an indication that disease is present.

As cancer screening programs become more widespread, Volition’s products aim to help to diagnose a range of cancers quickly, simply, accurately and cost effectively.  Early diagnosis has the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also to improve their quality of life.  Volition’s research and development activities are currently centered in Belgium, with additional offices in London, Texas and Singapore, as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market first in Europe, then in the U.S. and ultimately, worldwide.

Nucleosomics® is a trademark of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries.

For more information about Volition, visit Volition’s website https://volitionrx.com/
or connect with us via:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/volitionrx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionrx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolitionRx/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VolitionRx

The contents found at Volition’s website address, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document.  The addresses for Volition’s website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are included in this document as inactive textual references only.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volitionrx-limited-schedules-first-quarter-2018-earnings-conference-call-and-business-update-300642782.html

China Biologic Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2018

–1Q18 Total Sales Up 13.7% YoY and Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Up 2.1% YoY in RMB terms, or 

Total Sales Up 23.0% YoY to $112.5 Million and Net Income Up 5.3% YoY to $31.6 Million in USD terms–

BEIJING, May 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBPO, “China Biologic” or the “Company”), a leading fully integrated plasma-based biopharmaceutical company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2018.

First Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

  • Total sales in the first quarter of 2018 increased by 13.7% in RMB terms and 23.0% in USD terms to $112.5 million from $91.5 million in the same quarter of 2017.
  • Gross profit increased by 33.1% to $78.8 million from $59.2 million in the same quarter of 2017. Gross margin increased to 70.0% from 64.8% in the same quarter of 2017.
  • Income from operations increased by 0.5% to $39.0 million from $38.8 million in the same quarter of 2017. Operating margin decreased to 34.7% from 42.4% in the same quarter of 2017.
  • Net income attributable to the Company increased by 5.3% to $31.6 million from $30.0 million in the same quarter of 2017. Fully diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.92 compared to $1.06 in the same quarter of 2017.
  • Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to the Company increased by 2.1% in RMB terms and 10.4% in USD terms to $41.3 million from $37.4 million in the same quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share decreased to $1.21 from $1.32 in the same quarter of 2017.
  • Certain income statement and balance sheet items impacted by the TianXinFu acquisition are presented for comparison purposes.

Mr. David (Xiaoying) Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China Biologic, commented, “We began 2018 with a challenging first quarter of 2018 was worse than we anticipated due to the ongoing impact of government reform measures on China’s healthcare market. The trend of many regional hospitals reducing purchases on certain high-unit-price plasma products at the end of 2017 to comply with the strict policy of capping the revenue from drug sales to 30% of the total revenue of a hospital continued in the first quarter of 2018, which resulted in a high double digit sales revenue decline in our direct sales channel. Our prices in the distribution channel also face increased pressure with more intensified competition among all major plasma products. To offset the deceleration of volume growth associated with ongoing healthcare reform, we continued to enhance marketing and promotional activities to pursue new sales channels and strategic partners, including new distributors and retail pharmacy chains which together achieved 20% year over year growth. The revenue contribution from placenta polypeptide continued to grow approximately 45% in RMB terms in the first quarter, reflecting an increased proportion of higher-invoiced shipments due to the wider implementation of the two-invoice policy. While the TianXinFu business demonstrated softer performance as anticipated in the first quarter of 2018, we expect the business will experience greater levels of growth in the remaining quarters of the year.”

“Despite our first quarter challenges, we achieved notable operational progress in our business. We began full operations at the new Shandong facility in late February, received the long-awaited operating permit at the Daming plasma collection station in early March and commenced commercial plasma collection immediately thereafter, and construction of our Feicheng branch plasma collection facility remains on track for completion by the middle of this year. In addition, the construction of our new Wenchang station in Hainan Province remains on track, and the station is expected to obtain the operating permit to begin commercial operations before the end of this year.”

“We remain focused on solidifying our leading market position by broadening our sales channels, exploring new growth opportunities to offset the impact of ongoing healthcare reform, and further investing in medical marketing with our internal sales force as well as utilizing TianXinFu’s team to support our newly launched products. In addition, we remain committed to managing public tenders in local markets to secure optimized pricing and increasing our profitability by accelerating the commercial launch time of our various pipeline products. Despite the challenges we are facing, we remain optimistic about the long-term development of China’s plasma industry,” concluded Mr. Gao.

First Quarter 2018 Financial Performance

Total sales in the first quarter of 2018 increased by 13.7% in RMB terms, or 23.0% in USD terms due to favorable exchange rate benefit, to $112.5 million from $91.5 million in the same quarter of 2017, primarily attributable to $11.4 million contribution from TianXinFu, accounting for approximately 10.1% of total sales for the quarter. Excluding TianXinFu, total sales in the first quarter of 2018 increased by 2.2% in RMB terms, as a combined result of an increase in the sales of placenta polypeptide products and certain immunoglobulin products, which was partly offset by the decrease in the sales of human albumin and IVIG products.

During the first quarter of 2018, human albumin and IVIG products remained the Company’s two largest sales contributors. As a percentage of total sales, sales from human albumin and IVIG products were 30.1% and 28.3%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2018. Excluding the contribution from TianXinFu, human albumin and IVIG products were 33.4% and 31.4% of total sales, respectively, which was a decrease from 40.3% and 34.8% respectively in the first quarter of 2017, mainly reflecting the combined effects of decreased sales volume and sales prices year-over-year.

The sales volume of human albumin and IVIG products decreased by 12.0% and 6.2%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017, reflecting the decreased purchase volumes at various hospitals due to government healthcare reform measures.

The average price for human albumin and IVIG products decreased by 3.7% and 1.3%, respectively, in RMB terms in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017, mainly due to further price discounts to certain distributors, which reflected intensified market competition for major plasma products. In USD terms, the average price for human albumin and IVIG products increased by 4.2% and 6.7% year-over-year, respectively.

Revenue from human hyper-immunoglobulin products increased by 56.4% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017, reaching 11.5% of total sales, mainly due to the increase in sales volume of human rabies immunoglobulin products.

Revenue from coagulation factor products, including human coagulation factor VIII, human prothrombin complex concentrate and newly launched human fibrinogen products, increased by 48.2% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017, representing 5.7% of total sales. The growth mainly came from the human fibrinogen products launched by the Company from the beginning of 2018, as well as an increase in sales volume of human prothrombin complex concentrate products, reflective of the Company’s ongoing medical marketing activities.

Revenue from placenta polypeptide products increased by 45.2% in RMB terms, or 57.1% in USD terms, in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017, reaching 14.3% of total sales, supported by higher unit selling prices due to wider implementation of the two-invoice policy, partially offset by lower sales volume due to the government’s control on medical insurance spending.

Cost of sales increased by 4.3% to $33.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017. As a percentage of total sales, cost of sales decreased to 30.0% from 35.2% in the same quarter of 2017. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of total sales mainly reflected a higher gross margin of TianXinFu. Excluding TianXinFu, cost of sales was 32.2% of total sales, also lower than the first quarter of 2017, mainly due to the higher sales price of placenta polypeptide product.

Gross profit increased by 33.1% to $78.8 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $59.2 million in the same quarter of 2017. Gross margin was 70.0% and 64.8% in the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2018 was $39.8 million, compared to $20.4 million in the same quarter of 2017. As a percentage of total sales, total operating expenses increased to 35.4% in the first quarter of 2018 from 22.4% in the same quarter of 2017. Excluding TianXinFu, total operating expenses increased by $14.3 million, or 70.1%, to $34.7 million in the first quarter of 2018. This increase mainly consisted of an increase of $13.1 million in selling expenses.

Selling expenses in the first quarter of 2018 was $20.7 million, compared to $3.8 million in the same quarter of 2017.  More than half of the increase was related to the sales of placenta polypeptide products, with the remainder related to the sales of plasma products and TianXinFu’s sales of its dura mater products. For placenta polypeptide products and certain hyper-immune products, as certain previous multiple layers of distribution channels were disqualified due to the two-invoice regulation, the Company implemented new sales strategies including using an internal sales force or engaging third party contract service organizations to promote its placenta polypeptide products. For other plasma products, in order to solidify its competitiveness within distribution channel customers, the Company incurred additional promotion and marketing costs. TianXinFu’s selling expenses included a $2.0 million amortization expense for the intangible asset of customer relationships associated with the Company’s acquisition of TianXinFu. Excluding this intangible asset amortization expense, selling expenses accounted for 16.7% of total sales of the Company in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 4.2% in the same quarter of 2017.

General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2018 was $17.4 million, compared to $15.2 million in the same quarter of 2017. As a percentage of total sales, general and administrative expenses were 15.5% and 16.7% in the first quarter of 2018 and the same quarter of 2017, respectively. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to a $0.9 million increase of share-based compensation expenses. Excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses would have been 7.4% and 7.9% of total sales in the first quarter of 2018 and the same quarter of 2017, respectively.

Research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2018 was $1.7 million, compared to $1.4 million in the same quarter of 2017. As a percentage of total sales, research and development expenses remained stable at 1.5% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017.

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2018 increased by 0.5% to $39.0 million from $38.8 million in the same period of 2017. Operating margin decreased to 34.7% in the first quarter of 2018 from 42.4% in the same quarter of 2017.

Income tax expense was $6.7 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared to $7.0 million in the same period of 2017. The effective income tax rate was 15.1% and 16.8% for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease of the effective income tax was mainly due to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation as a deduction from income tax expense in the first quarter of 2018.

Net income attributable to the Company increased by 5.3% to $31.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $30.0 million in the same quarter of 2017. Net margin decreased to 28.1% in the first quarter of 2018 from 32.8% in the same quarter of 2017. Diluted net earnings per share decreased to $0.92 in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $1.06 in the same quarter of 2017.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to the Company increased by 2.1% in RMB terms, or 10.4% in USD terms, to $41.3 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $37.4 million in the same quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP net margin decreased to 36.7% in the first quarter of 2018 from 40.9% in the same quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share decreased to $1.21 in the first quarter of 2018 from $1.32 in the same quarter of 2017. Excluding TianXinFu, Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to the Company decreased by 12.1% in RMB terms, or 4.8% in USD terms in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2018 exclude $8.3 million in non-cash employee share-based compensation expenses and $1.5 million in intangible assets amortization expense related to the acquisition of TianXinFu.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $118.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, primarily consisting of cash on hand and demand deposits, $106.6 million in time deposits and $141.9 million in financial instruments.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of 2018 was $23.3 million, including a $4.5 million contribution from TianXinFu, compared to $13.0 million for the same quarter of 2017. Excluding TianXinFu, the $5.8 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was a combined result of 1) the benefit from an increase of other payables and accrued liabilities, an increase of advance from customers, and a slowdown of increase in account receivable, and 2) the negative impact from a decrease in net income, a decrease in accounts payable, an increase in prepayments and deferred expenses as well as inventory compared to the first quarter of 2017.

Excluding TianXinFu, the other payables and accrued liabilities increased by $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to a decrease of $5.4 million in the first quarter of 2017. The increase mainly reflected more marketing activities carried out by third party contract service organizations that the Company engaged to promote placenta polypeptide and certain plasma products in complying with the two-invoice policy.

Excluding TianXinFu, accounts receivable increased by $15.5 million during the first quarter of 2018 compared to $17.6 million in the same quarter of 2017. The accounts receivable turnover days for plasma products increased to 84 days during the first quarter of 2018 from 46 days in the same quarter of 2017, reflecting longer credit terms to hospitals as a result of the nationwide implementation of healthcare reform measures and intensified competition in the distribution channel.  

Excluding TianXinFu, inventories increased by $10.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $9.1 million in the same quarter of 2017. This increase was a result of an increase in raw materials due to downwardly adjusted plasma throughput, reflecting weaker market demand due to a more aggressive-than-expected implementation of certain government healthcare reform policies.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first quarter of 2018 was $135.5 million compared to $9.1 million for the same quarter of 2017. Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2018 mainly consisted of $264.7 million payment for purchase of time deposits and financial instruments, $11.3 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and land use rights, which was partly offset by $97.7 million cash received upon acquisition of TianXinFu and the maturity of $42.8 million time deposits and financial instruments. In the same quarter of 2017, the Company paid $9.1 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment and land use rights for Shandong Taibang and Guizhou Taibang.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the first quarter of 2018 was $0.3 million compared to $8.8 million for the same quarter of 2017. Net cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter of 2018 represented proceeds of $0.3 million from stock options exercised. The net cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter of 2017 mainly consisted of an $8.7 million short-term loan.  

Financial Outlook Update for 2018

For the full year of 2018, the Company previously published a guidance of total sales growth of 18% to 20% in RMB terms and non-GAAP adjusted net income growth of 16% to 18% in RMB terms over 2017 financial results. Excluding TianXinFu, sales for 2018 are expected to grow 6% to 8% in RMB terms, and non-GAAP adjusted net income is expected to grow 3% to 4% in RMB terms over 2017 financial results. The 2018 non-GAAP adjusted net income projection excludes non-cash employee share-based compensation expenses and non-cash intangible assets amortization expense associated with the TianXinFu acquisition.

However, given the worse-than-expected first quarter results due to ongoing impact of regulatory changes, the Company expects that it will be challenging to meet its previously published full year guidance. The Company is actively evaluating the evolving regulatory environment and competition dynamics and may lower its full year guidance should there be no significant improvement in the business operating conditions for the remainder of the year.  

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call at 7:30 am Eastern Time on May 7, 2018, which is 7:30 pm Beijing Time on May 7, 2018, to discuss its first quarter 2018 results and answer questions from investors. Listeners may access the call by dialing:

US: 

1 888 346 8982

International: 

1 412 902 4272

Hong Kong:

800 905 945

China: 

400 120 1203

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the conclusion of the conference all through May 14, 2018. The dial-in details are:

US: 

1 877 344 7529

International:

1 412 317 0088

Passcode:  

10119614

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available through the Company’s investor relations website at http://chinabiologic.investorroom.com.

About China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc.

China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBPO) is a leading fully integrated plasma-based biopharmaceutical company in China. The Company’s products are used as critical therapies during medical emergencies and for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases and immune-deficiency related diseases. China Biologic is headquartered in Beijing and manufactures over 20 different dosage forms of plasma products through its indirect majority-owned subsidiary, Shandong Taibang Biological Products Co., Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Guizhou Taibang Biological Products Co., Ltd. The Company also has an equity investment in Xi’an Huitian Blood Products Co., Ltd. The Company sells its products to hospitals, distributors and other healthcare facilities in China. For additional information, please see the Company’s website www.chinabiologic.com.

Non-GAAP Disclosure

This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures that exclude non-cash compensation expenses related to options and restricted shares granted to employees and directors under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, and amortization of acquired intangible assets. To supplement the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, the Company has provided non-GAAP financial information excluding the impact of these items in this release. The Company’s management believes that its presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplementary information to and facilitates additional analysis by investors. A reconciliation of the adjustments to GAAP results appears in the table accompanying this news release. This additional non-GAAP information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financials. The non-GAAP financial information that the Company provides also may differ from the non-GAAP information provided by other companies.

In addition, as the Company evaluates certain key items of its financial results on a local currency basis (i.e., in RMB) in addition to the reporting currency (i.e., in USD), this news release contains local currency information that eliminates the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company believes that, given its operations primarily based in China, providing local currency information on such key items enhances the understanding of its financial results and evaluation of performance in comparison to prior periods. Changes in local currency percentages are calculated by comparing financial results denominated in RMB from period to period.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “are expected to,” “will,” or similar expressions, and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Among other things, the Company’s plans regarding the construction and operation of plasma collection stations, the commercial launch of pipeline products and the integration with TianXinFu, as well as the management’s quotations and forecast of the Company’s financial performance in this news release contain forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect.

Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, quality of purchased source plasma, potential delay or failure to complete construction of new collection facilities, potential inability to pass government inspection and certification process for existing and new facilities, potential inability to achieve the designed collection capacities at the new collection facilities, potential inability to achieve the expected operating and financial performance, potential inability to find alternative sources of plasma, potential inability to increase production at permitted sites, potential inability to mitigate the financial consequences of a temporarily reduced raw plasma supply through cost cutting or other efficiencies, and potential additional regulatory restrictions on its operations and those additional risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:    

China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc.
Mr. Ming Yin
Senior Vice President 
Phone: +86-10-6598-3099
Email: ir@chinabiologic.com

ICR Inc.
Mr. Bill Zima
Phone: +86-10-6583-7511 or +1-646-405-5191
E-mail: bill.zima@icrinc.com

(Financial statements on the following pages)

CHINA BIOLOGIC PRODUCTS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

USD

USD

ASSETS 

Current Assets 

   Cash and cash equivalents

118,205,213

219,336,848

   Time deposits

106,550,100

22,895,200

   Financial instruments

141,883,453

   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 

96,279,290

77,267,275

   Loan receivable – current

47,709,000

45,912,000

   Inventories 

231,526,133

209,570,835

   Prepayments and other current assets, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

23,824,618

18,139,453

      Total Current Assets 

765,977,807

593,121,611

Property, plant and equipment, net 

192,320,783

166,812,749

Intangible assets,net

62,050,423

536,338

Land use rights, net 

30,040,442

24,853,163

Equity method investment 

16,568,483

14,903,908

Goodwill

329,364,009

Other non-current assets 

10,165,068

8,829,648

           Total Assets 

1,406,487,015

809,057,417

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Current Liabilities 

   Accounts payable 

5,898,781

7,548,909

   Income tax payable 

17,302,336

14,258,544

   Other payables and accrued expenses 

94,374,626

75,827,864

      Total Current Liabilities 

117,575,743

97,635,317

Deferred income

3,480,372

3,476,877

Non-current income tax payable

37,067,138

37,067,138

Other liabilities 

16,580,741

6,553,088

           Total Liabilities 

174,703,994

144,732,420

Shareholders’ Equity 

   Ordinary share:

      par value $0.0001;

      100,000,000 shares authorized;

      35,457,718 and 29,866,545 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively;

      33,203,014 and 27,611,841 shares outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively

3,546

2,987

   Additional paid-in capital 

584,467,652

140,230,395

   Treasury share: 2,254,704 shares at March 31, 2018 and December31, 2017, respectively, at cost

(56,425,094)

(56,425,094)

   Retained earnings

538,011,513

506,426,436

   Accumulated other comprehensive income

36,357,739

7,957,304

            Total equity attributable to China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc. 

1,102,415,356

598,192,028

   Noncontrolling interest 

129,367,665

66,132,969

            Total Shareholders’ Equity 

1,231,783,021

664,324,997

   Commitments and contingencies 

            Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

1,406,487,015

809,057,417

CHINA BIOLOGIC PRODUCTS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2018

March 31, 2017

USD

USD

Sales:

112,464,890

91,453,112

           Human Albumin

33,795,961

36,858,291

           Human Immunoglobulin for Intravenous Injection

31,785,221

31,752,986

           Other Immunoglobulin products

13,019,557

8,293,667

           Placenta Polypeptide

16,094,645

10,246,969

           Artificial Dura Mater

9,943,983

           Others

7,825,523

4,301,199

Cost of sales

33,691,683

32,215,473

Gross profit

78,773,207

59,237,639

Operating expenses

           Selling expenses

20,695,215

3,807,552

           General and administrative expenses

17,387,075

15,256,766

           Research and development expenses

1,716,954

1,357,363

Income from operations

38,973,963

38,815,958

Other income (expenses)

            Equity in income of an equity method investee

1,068,045

911,743

            Interest expense

(67,564)

(62,510)

            Interest income

3,003,929

1,623,839

            Fair value changes of financial instruments

1,285,063

Total other income, net

5,289,473

2,473,072

Income before income tax expense

44,263,436

41,289,030

Income tax expense

6,707,455

6,950,539

Net income

37,555,981

34,338,491

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

5,970,904

4,346,642

Net income attributable to China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc.

31,585,077

29,991,849

Earnings per share of ordinary share: 

             Basic

0.93

1.07

             Diluted

0.92

1.06

Weighted average shares used in computation:

             Basic

33,150,695

27,183,733

             Diluted

33,338,470

27,465,414

Net income

37,555,981

34,338,491

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil income taxes

31,793,225

2,720,968

Comprehensive income

69,349,206

37,059,459

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

9,363,694

4,650,562

Comprehensive income attributable to China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc.

59,985,512

32,408,897

CHINA BIOLOGIC PRODUCTS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

2018

2017

USD

USD

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 

Net income 

37,555,981

34,338,491

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation 

2,325,609

3,052,133

Amortization

2,404,758

428,028

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

44,142

63,425

Fair value changes of financial instruments

(1,285,063)

Allowance (reversal) for doubtful accounts – accounts receivable, net

(10,168)

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

(846,255)

266,804

Share-based compensation 

9,009,234

8,072,065

Equity in income of an equity method investee 

(1,068,045)

(911,743)

Change in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable

(15,505,930)

(17,570,606)

Inventories

(10,766,490)

(9,130,101)

Prepayments and other current assets 

(4,582,769)

(2,281,491)

Accounts payable 

(1,942,878)

378,931

Income tax payable 

1,504,625

1,869,988

Other payables and accrued expenses 

6,618,643

(5,411,627)

Deferred income

(130,974)

(121,102)

Net cash provided by operating activities 

23,334,588

13,033,027

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Cash acquired from acquisition of Tianxinfu

97,702,278

Purchase of time deposit

(84,828,600)

Maturity of time deposit

3,000,000

Purchase of financial instruments

(179,855,473)

Maturity of financial instruments

39,772,069

Payment for property, plant and equipment

(11,048,396)

(8,936,981)

Payment for intangible assets and land use rights

(255,664)

(151,326)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

10,722

3,626

Net cash used in investing activities 

(135,503,064)

(9,084,681)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 

Proceeds from stock option exercised 

339,411

98,500

Proceeds from short-term bank loans

8,715,000

Net cash provided by financing activities 

339,411

8,813,500

EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

10,697,430

829,989

NET INCREASE  IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(101,131,635)

13,591,835

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 

219,336,848

183,765,533

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

118,205,213

197,357,368

Supplemental cash flow information 

Cash paid for income taxes 

6,352,407

4,969,712

Noncash investing and financing activities: 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment included in payables 

5,389,336

1,863,464

Issuance of ordinary shares in connection with the Tianxinfu acquisition

434,889,170

CHINA BIOLOGIC PRODUCTS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

2018

2017

USD

USD

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to the Company – Non GAAP

41,314,679

37,430,088

Diluted EPS – Non GAAP

1.21

1.32

Non-cash employee stock compensation

(8,262,637)

(7,438,239)

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

(1,466,965)

Net Income Attributable to the Company

31,585,077

29,991,849

Weighted average number of shares used in computation of Non GAAP diluted EPS

33,338,470

27,465,414

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-biologic-reports-financial-results-for-the-first-quarter-of-2018-300642792.html

Source: China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc.