UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 5, 2019

 

ARCA biopharma, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

000-22873

36-3855489

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

11080 CirclePoint Road, Suite 140, Westminster, CO

 

80020

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (720) 940-2200

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instructions A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Section 8 — Other Events

 

Item 8.01.

Other Events.

On April 5, 2019, ARCA biopharma, Inc., or ARCA, made a presentation available regarding a business update, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K and attached presentation may contain forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding potential future development plans for Gencaro, including the likelihood that any Phase 3 clinical trial results for Gencaro to satisfy the requirements of ARCA’s Special Protocol Assessment agreement, the expected features and characteristics of Gencaro, including the potential for genetic variations to predict individual patient response to Gencaro or AB171, Gencaro’s potential to treat atrial fibrillation, or AF, future treatment options for patients with AF, the potential for Gencaro to be the first genetically-targeted AF prevention treatment, statements regarding the potential market size of any of ARCA’s product candidates, if approved, statements regarding potential Phase 3 development plans for Gencaro, including the timing and results thereof, the expected features and characteristics of AB171 as a potential genetically-targeted treatment for peripheral arterial disease and for heart failure, or HF, the potential timeline for development of AB171, including any Investigational New Drug, or IND, application submission related thereto, and the ability of ARCA’s financial resources to support its operations through the third quarter of 2019, the sufficiency of ARCA’s current capital to reach certain of its corporate objectives, ARCA’s ability to obtain additional funding when needed or enter into a strategic or other transaction, including its ability to raise sufficient capital to fund any Phase 3 clinical trials for Gencaro and its other operations, the extent to which ARCA’s issued and pending patents may protect its products and technology, the potential of such product candidates to lead to the development of safe or effective therapies, ARCA’s ability to enter into collaborations, ARCA’s ability to maintain listing of its common stock on a national exchange, ARCA’s future operating expenses, ARCA’s future losses, ARCA’s future expenditures, and the sufficiency of ARCA’s cash resources to maintain operations.  These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in ARCA’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation ARCA’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and subsequent filings. ARCA disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

Section 9 — Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

 

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

 

 

99.1

 

Investor Presentation titled “ARCA biopharma Pharmacogenetic Precision Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease” dated April 5, 2019.

 

 

 


 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: April 5, 2019

 

 

 

 

ARCA biopharma, Inc.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Brian L. Selby

 

 

Name:

Brian L. Selby

 

 

Title:

Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

SLIDE 1

ARCA biopharma Pharmacogenetic Precision Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases April 2019 Nasdaq: ABIO Exhibit 99.1

SLIDE 2

Safe Harbor Statement This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, potential future development plans for Gencaro, ARCA’s ability to complete any Phase 3 clinical trial, the likelihood for PRECISION-AF results to satisfy the requirements of the SPA, ARCA’s ability to raise sufficient capital to fund the PRECSION-AF trial and its other operations, the expected features and characteristics of Gencaro, including the potential for genetic variations to predict individual patient response to Gencaro, Gencaro’s potential to treat AF and/or HFmrEF, future treatment options for patients with AF and/or HFmrEF, the potential for Gencaro to be the first genetically-targeted AF prevention treatment, and the potential market opportunity for Gencaro, should it receive regulatory approval. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties associated with: ARCA’s financial resources and whether they will be sufficient to meet its business objectives and operational requirements; ARCA may not be able to raise sufficient capital on acceptable terms, or at all, to continue development of Gencaro or to otherwise continue operations in the future; an FDA SPA agreement does not guarantee approval of Gencaro or any other particular outcome from regulatory review; results of earlier clinical trials may not be confirmed in future trials; the protection and market exclusivity provided by ARCA’s intellectual property; risks related to the drug discovery and the regulatory approval process; and, the impact of competitive products and technological changes. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in ARCA’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation ARCA’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and subsequent filings. ARCA disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SLIDE 3

Investment Highlights Clinical stage, genetically-targeted cardiovascular company PRECISION-AF: single, pivotal P3 trial for AF in HFmrEF; anticipated start 4Q2019 FDA Special Protocol Assessment agreement on Phase 3 protocol - February 2019 GencaroTM FDA Fast Track Designation for AF in Genotype-Defined HF Population Second asset - AB171 - development for HF, PAD; Phase 1B anticipated start 3Q2020 Large and growing market opportunity Estimated $12.5 billion global atrial fibrillation market by 2020 Significant unmet medical need for AF in HF with no FDA approved treatments Gencaro in AF/HFmrEF potential annual sales - $480M-$800M in US; similar in EU5 Potentially first genetically-targeted cardiovascular therapeutic Cardiovascular and biotech veterans with demonstrated success Management team with extensive experience in CV disease, drug development and corporate execution Team previously successful in drug clinical development & regulatory approvals

SLIDE 4

Genetically-Targeted Cardiovascular Pipeline Research Preclinical Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 GencaroTM (bucindolol hydrochloride) AB171 (mononitrate – vasodilator) Prevention of AF in genotype-defined HF population PRECISION-AF: Phase 3 trial (FDA SPA Feb 2019) initiation anticipated 4Q2019 Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Genetically-targeted population Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) Genetically-targeted population

SLIDE 5

Inconsistent Therapeutic Response Across Patients Modified from Spear et al., Trends Mol Med, 2001; 2 Lazarou et al., JAMA, 1998 Individual variations in response to drugs & drug toxicity are common in clinical and marketed drug settings. ~10% of drugs are withdrawn from market post-launch as a result of adverse drug reactions. Genetic targeting enables patient selection to potentially deliver higher response rates with fewer side effects b-blockers in HF b-blockers in AF

SLIDE 6

Pharmacogenetics: Precision Medicine Applied to Drug Therapy Our Approach Pharmacogenetic drug development by targeting Functionally different genetic variants Validated drug targets High frequency genetic variants Potential benefits Maximize potential efficacy Minimize potential side effects and/or safety concerns Avoid exposing patients unlikely to benefit Enables smaller clinical development programs Intellectual property (IP) generated later in development process

SLIDE 7

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Heart Failure (HF) – An Unmet Medical Need No FDA approved drug treatments for this indication Approved antiarrhythmic agents are associated with significant side effects: Most are contraindicated or have warnings for HF patients New onset AF markedly worsens HF morbidity & mildly increases mortality β-blockers approved for HF but used off-label for AF Demonstrated only limited efficacy for AF prevention No agents approved for AF or HF have demonstrated genetically influenced clinical response

SLIDE 8

Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure AF HF AF/HF Patient Populations G7 Countries (US, EU5, and Japan) in 2022 HFpEF Preserved EF ≥50% HFmrEF Mid-range EF ≥40 & <50% HFlrEF Low-range EF < 40% Total HF 7.6M 2.7M 5.6M % with AF 40-60% 40-60% 30-50% Total AF/HF 3.1 - 4.6M 1.1 - 1.6M 1.7 - 2.8M 30-60% of HF patients also have AF AF/HF Initial Indication ~50% of population has optimal genotype Potential Expansion Potential Expansion No approved or effective therapies

SLIDE 9

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – A Significant Market Opportunity AF is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia - affected ~5.2 million (2015) Americans2 2015 worldwide prevalence of AF was estimated at 33.3 million3 AF is considered an epidemic cardiovascular (CV) disease based on the rate of increase in incidence in the U.S. and industrialized countries4 ~2.7M (2022) HFmrEF (LVEF > 0.40 and < 0.50) patients in U.S., EU5 and Japan5 DelveInsight – “Atrial Fibrillation – Market Insights & Drug Sales Forecast - 2020”, May 2016 American Journal of Cardiology 2013: 112: 1142-1147 “Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population; AHA – “Cardiovascular Disease: A Costly Burden for America” (Jan 2017), page 7 Estimated Global Atrial Fibrillation Market1 AHA Statistical Update – Heart and Stroke Stats 2017, p306 Journal of the American Medical Association. 2001; 285(18):237 0-2375 Decision Resources Group, Heart Failure 2018

SLIDE 10

Gencaro Potentially the first genetically-targeted atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment for patients with heart failure (HF)

SLIDE 11

Gencaro (bucindolol hydrochloride) Compound β-blocker/vasodilator – well characterized small molecule drug class β-blockers target cardiac myocytes to reduce adverse β1- adrenergic signaling that causes cardiac chamber remodeling Gencaro is only β-blocker with genetically differentiated response IP protection into approximately 2031 in the U.S. and Europe Genotype Specific Response Clinical response differentiated by patient genetic profile Specific β1 adrenergic receptor (AR) polymorphism Optimal genotype is ADRB1 Arg389Arg Present in ~50% of US & EU population World wide rights to companion diagnostic test Rapid, low-cost standard test Differentiated MOA Competitive antagonism similar to other β-blockers Sympatholysis – norepinephrine (NE) lowering Inverse agonism – inactivation of constitutively active receptors Other β-blockers lack these last 2 properties Extensive Clinical Data Favorable safety profile; over 3,400 HF patients studied 74% reduction in AF onset compared to placebo in patients w/most responsive genotype in prior Phase 3 HF trial P2B – 58% reduction in AF recurrence compared to Toprol-XL in genetically-defined HFmrEF population

SLIDE 12

Differentiated Response by Genotype Seen in Prior HF Study b1389 Arg/Arg (n = 441; 36 events) Risk reduction 74% Hazard Ratio = 1.01 (0.56 – 1.84) P-value = 0.969 b1389 Gly carriers (n = 484; 44 events) No risk reduction Hazard Ratio = 0.26 (0.12 – 0.57) P-value = 0.0003 b-blocker class 27% average risk reduction in AF onset in ~12,000 patient meta-analysis of Phase 3 HF trials.1 Metoprolol & Carvedilol not influenced by ADRB1 Arg389Gly2 1 - Abi Nasr I et al, EHJ 28: 457–462, 2007 2 - Sehnert AJ, et al. JACC 52:644-651, 2008 Bucindolol Bucindolol Placebo Placebo

SLIDE 13

Increases in Hospitalization and Mortality Observed with New AF Onset in Prior HF Study Group ACM Rate (%) CVM Rate (%) CVH Days/Pt HFH Days/Pt New onset AF - No (n = 2202) 15.1 12.8 6.9 6.2 New onset AF - Yes (n = 190) 32.1 28.4 13.3 11.4 Fold increase 2.13 p < 0.0001 2.22 p < 0.0001 1.93 p < 0.0001 1.84 p < 0.0001 Group (N=190) CVH Days/Pt HFH Days/Pt Hospitalized Pre AF event 4.4 3.5 Hospitalized Post AF event 13.8 11.9 Fold increase 3.14 p < 0.0001 3.40 p < 0.0001 HF patients with new onset AF had increased hospitalization and mortality Hospitalization burden increased after experiencing AF event Mortality data are presented as annualized event rates. CVH is adjudicated by committee and HFH is Investigator/CRF determined. p-values are log rank statistic for ACM and CVM and Wilcoxon Rank sum Test for C VH and HFH.

SLIDE 14

GENETIC-AF: Phase 2B Genetically-Targeted Trial BUC MET Bucindolol: 73/134 (54%) Metoprolol: 70/133 (53%) Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for the 4 randomization strata: 1) HF etiology, 2) LVEF, 3) rhythm at randomization 4) device type. HR = 1.01 (0.71, 1.42) HR = 0.70 (0.41, 1.19) U.S. Cohort Entire Cohort 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Weeks of Efficacy FU Probability of No AF/AFL/ACM Bucindolol: 33/60 (55%) Metoprolol: 40/67 (60%) BUC MET 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Weeks of Efficacy FU Probability of No AF/AFL/ACM Time to AF/AFL/ACM – ECG based Detection

SLIDE 15

GENETIC-AF: Time to AF/AFL/ACM Excluding Patients with Long-standing (12+yrs) AF/HF Dx and AF Dx >2 years prior to HF Diagnosis BUC MET Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for: 1) HF etiology, 2) LVEF, 3) rhythm at randomization 4) device type, 5) Previous Class 3 AA use. Bucindolol: 46/98 (47%) Metoprolol: 50/98 (51%) Bucindolol: 25/51 (49%) Metoprolol: 22/40 (55%) 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Weeks of Efficacy FU Probability of No AF/AFL/ACM 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Weeks of Efficacy FU Probability of No AF/AFL/ACM BUC MET HR = 0.54 (0.33, 0.87) p = 0.011 HR = 0.42 (0.21, 0.86) p = 0.017 HFmrEF 0.40 ≤ LVEF < 0.50 Entire Cohort LVEF < 0.50 Phase 3 Target Population

SLIDE 16

Target Phase 3 Study Population HFmrEF (0.40 > LVEF < 0.50) HF and AF diagnoses < 12 years of screen visit AF diagnosis not >2 years prior to HF diagnosis Persistent or paroxysmal AF ≤ 120 days of screen visit ADRB1 Arg389Arg genotype (simple blood draw screen) In the GENETIC-AF Phase 2B trial, Gencaro showed a 58% treatment benefit compared to Toprol-XL in reducing AF recurrence in the HFmrEF population being targeted for Phase 3 (hazard ratio = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.86; p = 0.017) The Phase 3 primary endpoint has 90% power to detect a 45% treatment benefit

SLIDE 17

PRECISION-AF: Phase 3 Genetically-Targeted Trial 0.40 > LVEF < 0.50, HF (not Class IV), persistent or paroxysmal AF <120 days, AF/HF Dx < 12 years, and AF not >2 years prior to HF Bucindolol Toprol XL Interim Analysis @ 250 patients Randomization: ADRB1 Arg389Arg genotype Trial Sites: N. America, Europe, Australia 1:1 Planned Enrollment N = 400 26-week Follow-up for 1EP of Time to First Sx AF Event or ACM Bucindolol vs. Toprol XL for Prevention of Recurrent AF in HF Patients with the b1389 Arg/Arg Genotype Stop for Futility Continue as Planned Add 150 Patients

SLIDE 18

Significant and Growing Market Opportunity Atrial fibrillation market - CAGR of 23.5% 2009-20171 ARCA estimates Gencaro AF in HFmrEF to be a $480M - $800M annual opportunity in U.S. Estimated U.S. Market in 20222 9.0M2 1.0 – 1.3M3 400-780K3 200-390K Heart failure patients HFmrEF (LVEF > 0.40 & < 0.50) patients (2022) AF incidence in HFmrEF patients ADRB1 Arg389Arg genotype 1- “Atrial Fibrillation Therapeutics – Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecasts to 2017”, Dec 2010 2- GlobalData – “Epicast Report: Chronic Heart Failure – Epidemiology Forecast to 2022”, Jan 2013 3- Decision Resources Group, Heart Failure 2018

SLIDE 19

Gencaro Intellectual Property – Potential Commercial Exclusivity 10Y post-approval Patents + New Chemical Entity provide exclusivity 10+ years from approval United States EU & Japan Extendable to 2034 with S-isomer development NCE overlaps: 5 to 7.5 years from approval EU NCE exclusivity: 10 years post-approval EU patents overlap; exclusivity into 2031 Japan: patent exclusivity into 2031 Japan NCE exclusivity: 8 yrs post-approval Main patent to mid-2031 Patents provide longest exclusivity

SLIDE 20

AB171 Potential genetically-targeted treatment for heart failure and for peripheral arterial disease

SLIDE 21

AB171 Compound Thiol-containing derivative of isosorbide mononitrate Nitrates are one of most well characterized class of pharmaceuticals Potential for improved efficacy and broader use than current therapies (e.g. Bidil) Genotype Specific Response ARCA discovered pharmacogenetic target in NOS3 gene Enhanced preclinical activity seen in NOS3 genotype Glu298Glu Dual MOA Increases nitric oxide (NO) via direct NO donor or activation of eNOS Relaxation of vascular smooth muscles Dilation of coronary vessels Improves oxygen supply to the myocardium Prior Development Preclinical work observed favorable effects on atherosclerosis, revascularization of limb circulation, and myocardial remodeling Anti-oxidant properties demonstrated

SLIDE 22

AB171: Potential Indications – HF & PAD Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) PAD is considered a healthcare pandemic in the US, EU and other developed countries with aging populations (US > 30M patients) Current most used therapy (cilostazol) alleviates symptoms but does not improve cardiovascular health Small, low-risk Phase 1 study Heart Failure Pipeline for potential new HF therapies is limited Small, low-risk Phase 1 hemodynamic study Genetic understanding affords potential benefit for broader population Bidil demonstrated highest mortality benefit seen in any HF trial Bidil approved for HF only in African-Americans

SLIDE 23

AB171: Intellectual Property Intellectual property based on ARCA human endothelial cell studies European patent allowed; validated in 10 European countries Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK Patent applications under review at U.S. Patent Office and Canadian Intellectual Property Office Pharmacogenetic patents combining AB171 plus biomarker NOS3 genotype Glu298Glu New Chemical Entity (NCE) status also provides overlapping data exclusivity protection 5-7 years from approval in US 10 years from approval in EU

SLIDE 24

Capital Structure Shares outstanding (04/04/19):1.1 million Potentially dilutive securities: 0.17 million Fully diluted:1.27 million Net cash1 (as of 12/31/18):$6.6 million (~$2.9 million raised through “at-the-market” offering in 1Q2019) No debt Estimated cash runway to end of 3Q2019 1 – Cash and cash equivalents

SLIDE 25

Experienced Leadership Michael R. Bristow, MD, PhD: President /CEO Thomas Keuer: Chief Operating Officer Chris Ozeroff: General Counsel Brian Selby: VP, Finance & Chief Accounting Officer Debra Marshall, MD, FACC: SVP, Medical Affairs Chris Dufton, PhD: VP, Clinical Development Sharon Perry: Sr Director, Regulatory Affairs & Quality Board of Directors Michael R. Bristow, MD, PhD Robert E. Conway (Chairman) Linda Grais, MD, JD Anders Hove, MD Dan Mitchell Raymond L. Woosley, MD, PhD

SLIDE 26

Completed and Anticipated Milestones1 GENETIC-AF Phase 2B top line data reportedFeb 2018 GENETIC-AF data oral presentation at ESC-HF 2018May GENETIC-AF data at AHA 2018 Nov FDA SPA Agreement – Gencaro Phase 3 protocol - PRECISION-AFFeb 2019 AB171 IND-enabling non-clinical studies initiation4Q PRECISION-AF Phase 3 clinical trial initiation4Q AB171 IND submission2Q2020 AB171 Phase 1B trial initiation3Q2020 AB171 Phase 1B data2H2021 PRECISION-AF interim analysis1Q2022 PRECISION-AF Phase 3 data4Q2022 1- The achievement of all anticipated milestones is subject to the company securing additional financing.

SLIDE 27

Investment Highlights Clinical stage, genetically-targeted cardiovascular company PRECISION-AF: single, pivotal P3 trial for AF in HFmrEF; anticipated start 4Q2019 FDA Special Protocol Assessment agreement on Phase 3 protocol - February 2019 GencaroTM FDA Fast Track Designation for AF in Genotype-Defined HF Population Second asset - AB171 - development for HF, PAD; Phase 1B anticipated start 3Q2020 Large and growing market opportunity Estimated $12.5 billion global atrial fibrillation market by 2020 Significant unmet medical need for AF in HF with no FDA approved treatments Gencaro in AF/HFmrEF potential annual sales - $480M-$800M in US; similar in EU5 Potentially first genetically-targeted cardiovascular therapeutic Cardiovascular and biotech veterans with demonstrated success Management team with extensive experience in CV disease, drug development and corporate execution Team previously successful in drug clinical development & regulatory approvals

SLIDE 28

ARCA biopharma Pharmacogenetic Precision Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases Nasdaq: ABIO