HGS is a commercially focused biopharmaceutical company with a broad pipeline of novel drugs that includes three promising products in late-stage development – one already commercialized and two moving toward commercialization:
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BENLYSTA™ (belimumab) has successfully completed one of two pivotal Phase 3 trials in systemic lupus, and we expect results from the second Phase 3 trial of BENLYSTA on November 2, 2009;
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ZALBIN™ (albinterferon alfa-2b) has successfully completed two Phase 3 trials in chronic hepatitis C, and submission of global marketing applications for ZALBIN is planned for fourth quarter 2009;
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Raxibacumab is currently pending priority review by FDA for inhalation anthrax.
Strong Partners
Both BENLYSTA (belimumab) and ZALBIN (albinterferon alfa-2b) are partnered with world leaders in the pharmaceutical industry – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for BENLYSTA and Novartis for ZALBIN. We are developing raxibacumab under a contract with the U.S. Government.
Therapeutic and Commercial Potential
We believe both BENLYSTA and ZALBIN have the therapeutic potential to change and save lives and, assuming regulatory approval, the commercial potential to become leading products in the marketplace.
Raxibacumab is being developed under a contract with the U.S. Government and represents a new way to address the threat of inhalation anthrax. In April 2009, we completed delivery of 20,000 doses of raxibacumab to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile for use in the event of an emergency need. In July, we received a new purchase order for an additional 45,000 doses to be delivered over a three-year period, beginning near the end of this year.
Right behind these three late-stage products is a high-potential mid-stage pipeline led by our HGS-ETR1 TRAIL receptor 1 antibody for cancer – and including a number of products to which HGS has substantial financial rights in the GSK pipeline.
Financial Performance
We are committed to excellence in our financial performance. Our cash position remains strong, with approximately $371 million in cash and investments as of the end of the second quarter of 2009.
