What exactly is the Technosphere® Platform?

One of the largest organs in your body are the lungs. Picture the size of a full tennis court and that is roughly the surface area of both lungs in a typical adult. Running through those lungs are airways whose total length measures 1,500 miles – that’s the distance between Chicago and Las Vegas, New York to Albuquerque, and Los Angeles to Nashville.

Simply put, the lungs create a wonderful platform for effective drug delivery. MannKind’s Technosphere technology recognizes this and provides the distinct advantage of rapid, deep lung drug delivery. The effect is similar to intravenous delivery (I.V.; within a vein) and has the added benefit of bypassing the liver which can be especially helpful in reducing systemic side effects.

Examining it closer, it helps to look at inhalation, air flow travel, and the exhale. When you breathe in, air is drawn into the lung and flows down curving, narrowing airways that end in the air sacs or alveoli. When air is exhaled, the flow is reversed. Between the end of an inhalation and the start of exhalation, the air in the lung is stationary. To reach the deep lung, inhaled particles must be carried by the air stream and have enough momentum to continue through the stationary air to collide with the lung surface.

Particles that can reach the lung have aerodynamic diameters between 0.5 µm and 5-6 µm (1 µm is 1 micro-meter or about 0.00004 inches). Particles that are larger than 6 µm will leave the air stream and hit the back of your mouth and throat; smaller than 0.5 µm wouldn’t have the ability to reach the lungs and would simply get exhaled.

“The average Technosphere particle is about 2-2.5 µm which is in the middle of the respirable range,” explains Marshall Grant, PhD, MSc, Executive Director, Clinical Pharmacology & Research for MannKind Corporation. “The particle size distribution is a major reason Technosphere powders are highly efficient in delivering drug to the lungs than other dry powder inhalers (DPIs).”

The Technosphere particles in FDA-approved Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder and Tyvaso DPI™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder are manufactured by different processes and possess different characteristics. But both are made up of small crystals of FDKP (fumaryl diketopiperazine), MannKind’s proprietary molecule. FDKP provides high solubility and fast dissolution at physiologic pH – and more importantly – can crystallize and form particles in the range appropriate for optimum delivery to the lungs.

When Technosphere powder reaches the lung surface, the FDKP and drug dissolve. The FDKP is then rapidly cleared from the lung into systemic circulation. The FDKP is not metabolized, but rather excreted primarily in the urine. Another value of Technosphere powders has been their versatility – they are compatible with a wide range of doses with different types of drugs.

MannKind’s Technosphere powders are delivered into the lung’s airstream via an inhalation device or DPI (dry powder inhaler). The breath-powered inhalers (Dreamboat® being the most common version) provide excellent delivery efficiency and are proven to deliver up to 70% of the dry-powder dose deep into the lungs. Our DPI are designed to be simple, easy to use and discreet. For patients, imagine having a drug in the convenient form of an inhaler that fits in the palm of your hand. This approach allows patients to not only take control of their health but do it while going about their day and enjoying life more humann.

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NTM Lung Disease on the Rise

“I cough every morning upon waking, so I don’t feel rested.” “Imagine not being able to breathe.” “Anxiety ruins everything about you – it’s not a normal life.” “You just exist from day to day and week to week.” These are a sampling of comments about the most bothersome symptoms from living with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) shared in a study from NTM Info & Research, Inc. The statements are unfortunately typical and those with NTM often have unpredictable day-to-day health functioning and reduced quality of life.

NTM lung disease is a serious infection that is caused by bacteria that are common in the environment and can cause lung damage. The reality is that we are all exposed to these bacteria in our day-to-day lives – more than 120 species of mycobacteria have been identified. These common bacteria exist in water and soil particles that are in the air, wet places like hot tubs, steamy bathrooms, dishwashers, and even the dewy ground we walk on at the park. But not everyone is at risk of getting NTM lung disease just because they are exposed.

Those predisposed often have underlying conditions such as asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis, which makes them prone to NTM infection. NTM is not considered to be contagious. Women over the age of 65 make up the majority of those impacted, with a predominance in those of Caucasian and Asian descent.

A rare disease, NTM can often be difficult to diagnose. Many will experience coughing, fatigue, weight loss and shortness of breath – all of which are common with other lung disease symptoms and other conditions like tuberculosis. With NTM, symptoms often worsen, and that is a marker not to be ignored.

It is estimated that some 86,000 individuals are living with NTM lung diseases, and it is on the rise growing 8% each year. Coastal regions including Gulf States have higher rates of infection accounting for 70% of annual NTM cases.

While no cure is available, treatments to manage NTM are available. Treatment for NTM involves antibiotic and multidrug regimens with duration lasting from months to years with tolerability and adverse reactions to treatment which often leads to a lack of adherence to therapy.

There is a valuable need to develop medicines that are well tolerated and effective that lends to consistent patient use and alleviates symptoms of NTM lung disease. MannKind continues to progress MNKD-101 (Clofazimine) for the treatment of NTM.

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Release Details

MannKind Corporation Reports 2019 First Quarter Financial Results

05/07/19
PDF Version
Conference Call to Begin Today at 9:00 AM ET
  • 1Q 2019 Total Revenues of $17.4 million
    • 1Q 2019 Afrezza Net Revenue was $5.1 million; +49% vs. 1Q 2018
    • 1Q 2019 Collaborations and Services Revenue was $12.4 million
  • 1Q 2019 net loss per share $(0.08) vs. $(0.25) in 1Q 2018; +68% improvement
  • Received first $12.5 million milestone payment under United Therapeutics License and Collaboration Agreement
  • Paid $2.5 million to Deerfield on May 6, 2019 for debt maturity
  • New scientific data released at ATTD and ACCE and late-breaking abstract accepted for release at ADA in June

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., May 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

“In the first quarter of 2019, we executed against the United Therapeutics License and Collaboration agreement, achieving the first of four milestone payments of $12.5 million. We also continued to grow Afrezza net revenue by 49% compared to 1Q 2018 and we released new clinical data at scientific meetings that continue to differentiate Afrezza from other rapid acting insulins,” said Michael Castagna, Chief Executive Officer of MannKind Corporation.

Total revenues were $17.4 million for the first quarter of 2019, reflecting Afrezza net revenue of $5.1 million and collaboration and services revenue of $12.4 million. Afrezza net revenue increased 49% compared to $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2018, primarily driven by higher product demand, a more favorable mix of cartridges and price. Collaboration and services revenue increased $12.4 million, primarily due to the United Therapeutics licensing and research agreements. 

Afrezza cost of goods sold was $4.0 million for the first quarters of both 2019 and 2018. Afrezza gross profit for the first quarter of 2019 was $1.1 million, the second consecutive quarter that gross profit was recognized for Afrezza. Afrezza gross profit for the first quarter of 2018 was negative $0.6 million. The increase was primarily driven by higher Afrezza sales.

Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2019 were $1.7 million compared to $2.6 million for the first quarter of 2018. This 37% decrease was primarily attributable to $0.4 million decreases in both lower clinical trial spending and lower personnel costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2019 were $25.7 million compared to $20.6 million for the first quarter of 2018. This 25% increase was primarily due to $9.3 million spent on direct-to-consumer television advertising offset by a $1.2 million decrease in personnel costs, a $0.9 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, and a $0.7 million decrease in professional fees.  

Interest expense on notes (facility financing obligation and senior convertible notes) for the first quarter of 2019 was $0.6 million compared to $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2018. This $1.2 million decrease was primarily due to a reduction in debt principal balances.

The net loss for the first quarter of 2019 was $14.9 million, or $0.08 per share compared to a $30.4 million net loss in the first quarter of 2018 or $0.25 per share. The lower net loss is mainly attributable to a $14.0 million increase in total revenues.

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments at March 31, 2019 was $59.8 million compared to $71.7 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to net cash used in operating activities of $11.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, which included the receipt of a $12.5 million milestone payment from United Therapeutics.

Conference Call

MannKind will host a conference call and presentation webcast to discuss these results today at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the live call by telephone, please dial (800) 289-0438 or (323) 794-2423 and use the participant passcode: 6329706. Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the Internet may do so by visiting the Company's website at http://www.mannkindcorp.com under News & Events. 

A telephone replay of the call will be accessible for approximately 14 days following completion of the call by dialing (844) 512-2921 or (412) 317-6671 and use the participant passcode: 6329706#. A replay will also be available on MannKind's website for 14 days.

About MannKind Corporation

MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD) focuses on the development and commercialization of inhaled therapeutic products for patients with diseases such as diabetes and pulmonary arterial hypertension. MannKind is currently commercializing Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder, the Company’s first FDA-approved product and the only inhaled rapid-acting mealtime insulin in the United States, where it is available by prescription from pharmacies nationwide.  MannKind is headquartered in Westlake Village, California, and has a state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Danbury, Connecticut. The Company also employs field sales and medical representatives across the U.S. For further information, visit www.mannkindcorp.com.  

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding MannKind’s ability to directly commercialize pharmaceutical products. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intend”, “will”, “goal”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon the MannKind’s current expectations. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the ability to generate significant product sales for MannKind, MannKind’s ability to manage its existing cash resources or raise additional cash resources, stock price volatility and other risks detailed in MannKind’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and MannKind undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.


 


MANNKIND CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  
  2019     2018  
Revenues:              
Net revenue - commercial product sales $ 5,076     $ 3,402  
Revenue - collaborations and services   12,372       63  
Total revenues   17,448       3,465  
Expenses:              
Cost of goods sold   4,020       4,008  
Cost of revenue - collaborations and services   1,537       —  
Research and development   1,667       2,644  
Selling, general and administrative   25,673       20,618  
(Gain) Loss on foreign currency translation   (1,935 )     2,984  
Total expenses   30,962       30,254  
Loss from operations   (13,514 )     (26,789 )
Other (expense) income:              
Interest income   318       106  
Interest expense on notes   (593 )     (1,794 )
Interest expense on note payable to related party   (1,080 )     (1,114 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt   —       (825 )
Other income (expense)   (14 )     31  
Total other expense   (1,369 )     (3,596 )
Loss before provision for income taxes   (14,883 )     (30,385 )
Provision for income taxes   —       —  
Net loss $ (14,883 )   $ (30,385 )
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.08 )   $ (0.25 )
Shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share   187,434       120,911  


MANNKIND CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except share data)
 
    March 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 34,530     $ 71,157  
Restricted cash     527       527  
Short-term investments     24,764       —  
Accounts receivable, net     3,759       4,017  
Inventory     3,720       3,597  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,392       2,556  
Total current assets     69,692       81,854  
Property and equipment, net     25,750       25,602  
Right-of-use and other assets     5,519       249  
Total assets   $ 100,961     $ 107,705  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 6,978     $ 5,379  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     18,064       15,022  
Facility financing obligation     11,385       11,298  
Deferred revenue - current     32,384       36,885  
Recognized loss on purchase commitments - current     9,057       6,657  
Total current liabilities     77,868       75,241  
Senior convertible notes     19,065       19,099  
Note payable to related party     72,036       72,089  
Accrued interest - note payable to related party     7,969       6,835  
Recognized loss on purchase commitments - long term     85,344       91,642  
Deferred revenue - long term     15,867       10,680  
Milestone rights liability     7,201       7,201  
Operating lease liabilities     3,615       —  
Total liabilities     288,965       282,787  
Commitments and contingencies                
Stockholders' deficit:                
Common stock, $0.01 par value - 280,000,000 shares authorized,
  187,778,236 and 187,029,967 shares issued and outstanding at
  March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively		     1,878       1,870  
Additional paid-in capital     2,765,020       2,763,067  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (19 )     (19 )
Accumulated deficit     (2,954,883 )     (2,940,000 )
Total stockholders' deficit     (188,004 )     (175,082 )
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit   $ 100,961     $ 107,705  

Company Contact:
Rose Alinaya
SVP, Investor Relations and Treasury
818-661-5000
ir@mannkindcorp.com 

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Source: MannKind