Celyad — Revision of clinical strategy after responses seen

Celyad — Revision of clinical strategy after responses seen

Celyad has reported a complete morphological leukemia-free status (MFLS) response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the NKR CAR T-cell THINK study. Spontaneous remission in refractory/relapsed AML is extremely rare, so this is a significant result. Importantly, the response was achieved with no toxic preconditioning. CYAD-01 has shown limited toxicities to date. The clinical strategy has been updated to focus on AML and colorectal cancer. Additionally, with the approvals of Yescarta (Gilead) at a price of $373k and Kymirah (Novartis) at $475k, we have increased our expected price for NRK CAR T-cell therapy to $200k, formerly $150k. The revised strategy and price assumption change moves the indicative value to $122 per ADR, formerly $61 per ADR.

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Written by

Celyad

Revision of clinical strategy after responses seen

Clinical trial data

Pharma & biotech

30 October 2017

ADR research

Price

$58

Market cap

$572m

ADR/Ord conversion ratio 1:1

$1.18/€

Cash ($m) at 30 June 2017

81.2m

ADRs in issue

9.86m

ADR code

CYAD

ADR exchange

NASDAQ

Underlying exchange

Euronext Brussels

Depository

CITI

ADR share price performance

52-week high/low

$62.3

$17.8

Business description

Celyad is developing an innovative CAR T-cell (NKR-2) immuno-oncology technology. The THINK Phase Ib study is underway in hematological and five sold tumor types. SHRINK is approved to enroll patients. Celyad is seeking a strategic partner for C-Cure for chronic heart disease.

Next events

H117 results

Q317

Analysts

Dr John Savin MBA

+44 (0)20 3077 5735

Dr Dan Wilkinson

+44 (0)20 3077 5734

Celyad is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Celyad has reported a complete morphological leukemia-free status (MFLS) response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the NKR CAR T-cell THINK study. Spontaneous remission in refractory/relapsed AML is extremely rare, so this is a significant result. Importantly, the response was achieved with no toxic preconditioning. CYAD-01 has shown limited toxicities to date. The clinical strategy has been updated to focus on AML and colorectal cancer. Additionally, with the approvals of Yescarta (Gilead) at a price of $373k and Kymirah (Novartis) at $475k, we have increased our expected price for NRK CAR T-cell therapy to $200k, formerly $150k. The revised strategy and price assumption change moves the indicative value to $122 per ADR, formerly $61 per ADR.

Year end

Revenue ($m)

PTP*
($m)

EPADR
($)

DPADR
($)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/15

0.0

(30.6)

(3.52)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/16

9.5

(25.3)

(2.32)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/17e

9.2

(30.2)

(3.17)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/18e

10.0

(28.0)

(2.94)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PTP and EPADR are normalized, excluding amortization of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

First ‘clinical validity’ for NKR CAR T-cells

Celyad found one AML patient given 3x108 NKR CAR T-cells had a complete MLFS response. In effect, it was a near CRi; that is, a complete response with high but not normal blood cell levels. Treatment with NKR CAR T-cells has enabled him to move to stem cell transplant. Median survival of relapsed and refractory AML patients is typically less than four months (source Celyad, see AML treatment).

Revised clinical strategy

With a near complete response in AML and two stable disease cases at low dose in colorectal cancer, Celyad has decided to focus its development efforts on these two indications. The current THINK study in AML, MM and five solid cancers, including colorectal, will continue to find the optimal dose but with preferential recruitment of AML and colorectal patients. Celyad also intends to evaluate combination therapies. As the first such study, the SHRINK trial of CYAD-01 is ready to start recruitment in metastatic CRC in combination with FOLFOX chemotherapy.

Valuation: Revised to $1,236m from $616m

Our previous approach to valuing the Celyad NKR CAR T-cells portfolio was to treat AML and MM as defined indications with a probability of 20% and to take a weighted average of the five solid tumor indications. We have now focused the valuation on AML at 25% probability and colorectal at 20% (adjusted from 10% in August). The C-Cure a cardiac indication is still seeking a partner so is now given a nominal value of $12m, formerly $191m. Rebasing the valuation to January 2018 gives a new indicative value of €$1,236m, formerly $616m (indicating $122 per ADR (formerly $61)). Management states that Celyad has cash to fund it through the first half of 2019. Additional cash might enable a broader and faster development of the clinical program given its promising current outlook.

THINK

Celyad is in an interesting position with very promising initial results in AML and emerging responses in solid tumors – although both are at an early stage of clinical development. It was pointed out in the recent Edison report (27 September 2017) on T-cell cancer therapies that NKR CAR T-cells therapy by targeting ubiquitous ‘stress’ ligands could potentially target a number of solid and haematological tumors. The first indications from the clinic that this might be a reality have now been seen. It will be important to build on the successes so far with more consistent clinical responses at higher dose levels in the THINK study. The Therapeutic Immunotherapy with NKR-2 (THINK) study (NCT03018405) is an open-label, multiple-dose US and European study currently in a dose escalation phase (Exhibit 1).

Exhibit 1: THINK trial detail

Aspect

comment

Dose level

3x108, 1x109, 3x109 of the natural killer receptor CAR T-cell product, CYAD-01.

Dosing

Three doses of cells are given, each 14 days apart.

Preconditioning – lymphodepletion

Preconditioning is not used with CYAD-01 although potential combinations will eventually be explored.

Prior chemotherapy is essential for standard CAR-T therapies such as Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel, Novartis) and Yescarta (Axicabtagene Ciloleucel, Gilead (Kite)). Preconditioning enables rapid expansion of the transfused CAR T-cells and also reduces the tumor burden of the patient.

Dose ranging phase

This phase is at least 12 patients each in the haematological and solid cancer arms, respectively. If toxicity is seen, extra patient is recruited at that dose level. If the dose is safe, the next dose cohort is recruited. At the highest dose, an extra three patients are recruited.

Cohort expansion phase

Once a dose is established, the trial is planned to expand into separate cohorts, each with specific cancer indications. One of these cohorts will now definitely be colorectal cancer. The plan sizes 14 patients at the highest dose per cancer. However, with the revised clinical trial emphasis, it is possible that only some of these cancers will be pursued in the near term. In theory, this stage of the trial should have 98 patients in total made of 86 further patients plus the 12 at the highest dose cohort. However, under the revised strategy, not all these indications may be pursued initially.

Haematological indications

The haematological arm of the trial will recruit AML and multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Priority will now be given to AML patients.

Solid cancers

The trial is recruiting patients in the dose escalation phase with colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic, bladder and triple-negative breast cancers. So far, colorectal, pancreatic and ovarian cancer patients have been recruited. The dose escalation phase will now preferentially recruit colorectal cancer patients.

Toxicity seen to date

To date, Celyad has reported one Grade 3 toxicity in an ovarian cancer patient and one Grade 4 toxicity in a MM patient. The observed toxicities might indicate that the NKR CAR T-cells are attacking the cancer.

Toxicities in approved CAR-T therapies have been linked to an immune attack on the cancer burden. However, there is no clear link between toxicities and response in CAR-T therapies like Kymriah; this might be because of preconditioning which may be a confounding factor.

Readout

As THINK is an open-label study, Celyad will report significant events as they happen. The six-month dose data are possible in H218. The two-year primary endpoint data could be due in mid-2020. However, the revised clinical strategy may mean that these dates vary for different cancer indications.

Source: Edison Investment Research based on Celyad reports and management information

THINK cohort expansion in colorectal cancer and AML will start once a clear dose has been established. Unlike the cautious safety-first approach in dose escalation, cohort expansion should be relatively rapid as there is no need for significant delays between patient dosing. AML in particular is an intractable condition. So far, T-cell therapies are early in development with no other reported therapies impact. If the pattern of complete response is maintained at higher doses, then Celyad should have no trouble in recruiting patients. Currently, Celyad has no complete responses in colorectal cancer – but then CAR T-cell therapy has no complete responses in any solid tumor type at present.

The issues around solid tumor therapy and the probable need for combination therapy are explored in detail in the report T-cell cancer therapies. Part 1 of this report provides an overview. Part 2 provides detailed investigation into multiple aspects of T-cell therapies including in solid tumors.

SHRINK

The Celyad natural killer (NKG2D) receptor CAR T-cell approach, CYAD-01, targets the ubiquitous stress ligands expressed by many cancers. These stress ligands are upregulated in response to chemotherapy. However, they are also expressed by normal cells exposed to toxic agents, if only for a short period. Chemotherapy might make the tumor more stressed and so more susceptible to CYAD-01 targeting. It might also expose some normal tissues to CYAD-01, so timing of dosing is important to allow enough normal tissue recovery post chemotherapy. In the real world, most solid cancer patients will receive chemotherapy and knowing how to combine standard chemotherapy with CAR T-cell therapy is crucial. If it proves to be synergistic, it would be a major cancer therapy breakthrough as most chemotherapy regimens show limited survival gains in a minority of patients.

The SHRINK trial is being in metastatic colorectal cancer, which is located in the liver. About 20-30% of colorectal cancer cases are found to have metastatic disease on diagnosis. SHRINK has not yet been posted on the clinical trials databases but is approved by the Belgian regulator.

Exhibit 2: SHRINK detail

Aspect

comment

Dose level

CYAD-01 doses will be adjusted to body weight and escalate from 3x108 to 1x109 to 3x109.

Dosing

Three doses of cells are given, each 14 days apart.

Preconditioning – lymphodepletion

Preconditioning is not used to deplete the patient’s immune system. However, this trial combines CYAD-01 with chemotherapy which should deplete the tumor burden.

Combination

Patients will be given prior treatment with FOLFOX chemotherapy. FOLFOX is a combination of folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin. FOLFOX is not a regimen that targets the immune system, unlike the preconditioning regimen used in B-cell CAR T-cell therapies.

Dose ranging phase

This phase will recruit at least 18 patients, six at each dose level. If the dose is safe, the next dose cohort is recruited. Note that timing between FOLFOX and CYAD-01 will also be evaluated.

Cohort expansion phase

Once a dose is established, the trial is planned to expand to 21 patients at the highest dose.

Readout

Unknown, but this trial will be a priority. Overall survival will be crucial for widespread use, but will take some years to determine. FOLFOX alone gives median overall survival of about two years vs six months on supportive care.

Source: Edison Investment Research

Revised value

Although we have not made any substantive changes to the currently broad cancer indications forecast, we have adjusted our valuation and made some detailed adjustments to some probabilities and timings and also to price expectations. In addition, we have rebased evaluation to January 2018. These changes make a substantial difference to the indicative value.

The changes are as follows:

AML has an increase in the probability of success from 20% to 25%. The revised probability is still cautious as only one near complete response has so far been seen. A consistent pattern of complete responses at higher doses would encourage us to raise this probability further. The expected launch date remains at 2022, although noting that the FDA has rapidly reviewed the first two CAR T-cell therapies does raise the possibility that a more rapid approval could be obtained if the clinical data warrants it, particularly as refractory AML is an intractable condition.

Colorectal cancer was formerly treated as one of five solid tumors, for which an average weighted value was estimated. As it has become a priority for Celyad, it is now treated separately. The probability was adjusted in August 2017 from 10% to 20% in view of two stable disease cases reported in June. As yet, no complete responses have been seen in colorectal cancer so this probability is maintained for the moment, but we would expect to increase this if complete responses are seen at higher dose levels. In this context, the AML response is very encouraging but there is no guarantee of a direct read-across. The expected colorectal launch date remains 2023. Since colorectal cancer is a major solid tumor indication, splitting it out from the average of solid tumors has a high impact on the overall indicative value. Only refractory colorectal cancer is taken into account.

Multiple myeloma remains unchanged but as it is potentially a lower priority project. We have pushed the launch date back to 2024. Probability remains at 20% given that other CAR-T therapies, notably Bluebird’s bb2121, have shown good success to date in multiple myeloma. Our assessment of multiple myeloma will be adjusted as more clinical data is disclosed. There was Grade 4 toxicity seen which is an indicator that the infused CYAD-01 cells might be having some clinical effect.

The remaining four solid cancers are still treated as a weighted average with unchanged probabilities. There have been some signs of efficacy with a Grade 3 toxicity in ovarian cancer. Two other cancer types, bladder and triple-negative breast cancer have not as yet been explored as no patient has yet been recruited. We have pushed all these cancer indications back to an expected launch date of 2025; this will be regularly reviewed.

The price assumed was $150k as this approximated to immunomodulatory checkpoint inhibitor therapies. However, with Kymriah listed at $475K and Yescarta at $373k, this price is clearly too low. The eventual pricing of CAR T-cell therapies is going to be complex and will relate to efficacy, as yet unknown. We have therefore used $200k as a current target price for CYAD-01 but this will be revised as further data emerges.

We have taken the decision to put a nominal value for the C-Cure cardiac therapy into the model. The Phase III data showed a subgroup where efficacy was noted. Celyad decided to explore strategic options for the project and put development on hold although a US Phase III trial has been approved. The value was $191m but as no deal has been concluded we have reduced this to a nominal $12m. This will be revised when further information is available.

We have not made any adjustments to expected trial costs as management has indicated that current financial resources are adequate to pursue the revised clinical program. However, we note that a broader program with faster recruitment to develop the large potential of NKR CAR T-cells therapy could perhaps be pursued if greater financial resources were available.

The financial model has been rebased to January 2018. This has a significant impact by itself as the discount rate is 12.5% before probability adjustment.

Exhibit 3 shows the cancer numbers and revised NPV values. Note that the other four solid cancers are weighted as we are not at this time clear that they will all progress.

Exhibit 3: Revised CYAD-01 NPV estimates

Indication

Deaths

Peak share

Peak US sales ($m)

Probability

NPV (US)

Global ($)

Lead indications

AML

10,460

39%

851

25.0%

178

237

Colorectal

50,310

36%

3,628

20.0%

500

667

 

Exploratory

MM

11,240

39%

915

20.0%

113

151

Solid tumors, weighted average

Ovarian

14,180

69%

1,951

20.0%

217

289

Bladder

16,390

69%

2,255

10.0%

125

167

Breast

40,000

36%

2,884

10.0%

157

210

Pancreatic

39,590

69%

5,448

5.0%

151

202

Total other solid cancers

110,160

12,539

651

868

Weighted average

158

211

Source: Edison Investment Research

The revised valuation based on these numbers is shown in Exhibit 4.

Exhibit 4: Revised valuation

Item

 

Probability

Value ($m)

Lead projects

AML

25.0%

237

 

Colorectal

20.0%

667

 

 

 

Exploratory trials

MM

20.0%

151

 

Solid tumors (average of 4)

Variable

211

 

Allogeneic

 

59

Total CAR value

 

 

1,325

C-Cure Partnered value (milestones plus royalties)

 

Nominal

12

Net operating costs

(Risk adjusted 2018-2023)

 

-126

Additional royalties

 

25

Total indicative value

 

 

 1,236

ADRs

 

 

9.86m

Warrants and options

 

 

0.3m

Core value per ADR ($)

 

 

122

Source: Edison Investment Research

A faster and more comprehensive clinical development up to 2023 could be more expensive but benefit from a higher payback rate.

The value has risen significantly indicating $122 per ADR (formerly $61), but this is mostly due to the change in price assumption from $150k to $200k. If the price was left at $150k, the value would be about $91/ADR. If the efficacy is robust, the price could be higher than this.

Financials

Celyad has reported H117 results. Revenues were €3m in grants with R&D expenses of €11.1m. The operating loss was €13.7m and the net cash burn was €13.8m. On 30 June 2017, Celyad had €68.8m of cash. This is expected by management to be sufficient to fund the company through the first half of 2019. We have not made any changes to financial forecasts (Exhibit 5). Celyad might benefit from an enhanced cash basis to develop its cancer portfolio.

Exhibit 5: Financial summary

US$'000s

2015

2016

2017e

2018e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

3

9,461

9,191

9,990

Cost of Sales

(1)

(59)

0

0

Gross Profit

2

9,402

9,191

9,990

EBITDA

 

 

(30,907)

(26,712)

(29,659)

(27,417)

Operating Profit (before amort and except)

 

 

(31,210)

(27,556)

(30,503)

(28,261)

Intangible Amortization

(844)

(839)

(839)

(839)

Other income and charges

0

(578)

0

0

Share-based payments

(882)

547

0

0

Operating Profit

(32,936)

(28,426)

(31,342)

(29,100)

Net Interest

619

2,217

278

278

PTP (norm)

 

 

(30,590)

(25,339)

(30,225)

(27,983)

PTP (FRS 3)

 

 

(32,317)

(26,209)

(31,064)

(28,822)

Tax

0

7

0

0

PAT (norm)

(30,590)

(21,625)

(30,225)

(27,983)

PAT (FRS 3)

(32,317)

(26,203)

(31,064)

(28,822)

Average number of ADRs outstanding (m)

8.7

9.3

9.5

9.5

EPADR - normalized ($)

 

 

(3.52)

(2.32)

(3.17)

(2.94)

EPADR - (IFRS) ($)

 

 

(3.72)

(2.32)

(3.26)

(3.03)

Dividend per ADR ($)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

55,617

59,318

81,399

79,883

Intangible Assets

54,156

55,018

77,776

76,937

Tangible Assets

1,261

3,955

3,278

2,601

Investments

200

345

345

345

Current Assets

 

 

121,456

94,756

52,177

23,636

Stocks

0

0

0

0

Debtors

609

1,508

1,508

1,508

Cash

119,339

91,672

49,093

20,551

Other

1,507

1,576

1,576

1,576

Current Liabilities

 

 

(12,754)

(12,515)

(12,229)

(11,640)

Creditors

(11,757)

(11,056)

(11,056)

(11,056)

Deferred revenue

0

0

0

0

Walloon loans for cash payment

(997)

(1,460)

(1,173)

(585)

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(40,583)

(40,677)

(39,734)

(39,090)

Walloon loans (non-current)

(11,637)

(8,731)

(7,788)

(6,844)

Other long term liabilities

(28,945)

(31,946)

(31,946)

(32,246)

Net Assets

 

 

123,736

100,882

81,614

52,788

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(30,927)

(29,625)

(30,184)

(27,282)

Net Interest

619

2,217

956

293

Tax

0

0

0

0

Capex

(930)

(1,978)

(23,763)

(167)

Acquisitions/disposals

(5,756)

(1,733)

0

0

Financing

121,162

0

11,798

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

Other

(3,649)

3,451

(1,386)

(1,386)

Net Cash Flow

80,519

(27,668)

(42,579)

(28,541)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(17,847)

(106,705)

(81,481)

(40,132)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

Walloon loan recognition (non-cash)

8,339

2,443

1,230

1,532

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(106,705)

(81,481)

(40,132)

(13,122)

Source: Edison Investment Research estimates, Celyad reports and announcements. Note: The $25m 2017 payment is treated as an intangible asset expected to be amortized against sales income. The equity component is shown as an equity investment. The actual accounting treatment by Celyad may differ.

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Research: Real Estate

Target Healthcare REIT — Careful investment paying dividends

Target recently released full year results for the year to 30 June 2017 and has published its annual report. The key figures showing strong growth in assets and rental income and increasing dividend cover had already been released. In this report we focus on the strategic progress made through the year and the medium-term outlook. Reflecting the manager’s identification of a number of acquisition opportunities, we have revised our estimates upwards for portfolio growth and assume that current debt facilities will be fully utilised by end-FY19, with net LTV increasing above the self-imposed 20% long-term target (to c 24%).

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