This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties
relating to the future financial performance of Regeneron
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and actual events or results may differ
materially. These statements concern, among other things, the
possible success and therapeutic applications of our product
candidates and research programs, the timing and nature of the
clinical and research programs now underway or planned, and the
future sources and uses of capital and our financial needs.
These statements are made by us based on managements
current beliefs and judgment. In evaluating such statements,
stockholders and potential investors should specifically
consider the various factors identified under the caption
Risk Factors which could cause actual results to
differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update
publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required
by law.
General
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a
biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and intends
to commercialize pharmaceutical products for the treatment of
serious medical conditions. Our clinical and preclinical
pipeline includes product candidates for the treatment of
cancer, diseases of the eye, rheumatoid arthritis and other
inflammatory conditions, allergies, asthma, obesity, and other
diseases and disorders. Developing and commercializing new
medicines entails significant risk and expense. Since inception
we have not generated any sales or profits from the
commercialization of any of our product candidates.
Our core business strategy is to combine our
strong foundation in basic scientific research and
discovery-enabling technology with our manufacturing and
clinical development capabilities to build a successful,
integrated biopharmaceutical company. Our efforts have yielded a
diverse and growing pipeline of product candidates that have the
potential to address a variety of unmet medical needs. We
believe that our ability to develop product candidates is
enhanced by the application of our technology platforms. These
platforms are designed to discover specific genes of therapeutic
interest for a particular disease or cell type and validate
targets through high-throughput production of mammalian models.
We continue to invest in the development of enabling
technologies to assist in our efforts to identify, develop, and
commercialize new product candidates.
Below is a summary of our clinical programs.
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VEGF TRAP:
Protein-based product candidate
designed to bind Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (called
VEGF, also known as Vascular Permeability Factor or VPF) and its
relative, Placental Growth Factor (called PLGF), and prevent
their interaction with cell surface receptors. VEGF (and to a
less validated degree PLGF) is required for the growth of blood
vessels that are needed for tumors to grow and is a potent
regulator of vascular permeability and leakage. In 2001, we
initiated a dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial designed to
assess the safety and tolerability of the VEGF Trap in subjects
with advanced solid tumor malignancies. This trial continues to
test increasing doses of VEGF Trap delivered by subcutaneous
injection as per the protocol and is expected to be completed in
the first half of 2004. A second phase, expected to begin in the
first half of 2004, will test higher doses of the VEGF Trap
delivered intravenously. We are also evaluating the VEGF Trap
for the potential treatment of certain eye diseases and in March
2004, announced the initiation of a Phase I study of the VEGF
Trap in patients with the neovascular or wet form of
age-related macular degeneration.
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In September 2003, we entered into a
collaboration agreement with Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. to
jointly develop and commercialize the VEGF Trap in multiple
oncology, ophthalmology, and possibly other indications
throughout the world with the exception of Japan, where product
rights remain with us. Aventis made a non- refundable up-front
payment of $80.0 million and purchased 2,799,552 newly issued
unregistered shares of our Common Stock for $45.0 million.
Under the collaboration agreement, we and Aventis will share
co-promotion rights and profits on sales, if any, of the VEGF
Trap. Aventis
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has agreed to make a $25.0 million payment
to us upon achievement of an early-stage clinical milestone. We
may also receive up to $360.0 million in additional
milestone payments upon receipt of specified marketing approvals
for up to eight VEGF Trap indications in Europe or the United
States. Regeneron has agreed to continue to manufacture clinical
supplies of the VEGF Trap at our plant in Rensselaer, New York.
Aventis has agreed to be responsible for providing commercial
scale manufacturing capacity for the VEGF Trap.
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Under the collaboration agreement, agreed upon
development expenses incurred by both companies during the term
of the agreement will be funded by Aventis. If the collaboration
becomes profitable, we will reimburse Aventis for 50% of the
VEGF Trap development expenses in accordance with a formula
based on the amount of development expenses and our share of the
collaboration profits, or at a faster rate at our option. In
2004, we and Aventis plan to invest approximately
$100 million to support the development of the VEGF Trap.
The broad based development program will include multiple
Phase I studies to evaluate the VEGF Trap in combination
with other therapies in various cancer indications,
Phase II single-agent studies of the VEGF Trap in separate
cancer indications, and multiple Phase I studies of the
VEGF Trap in certain eye diseases.
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INTERLEUKIN-1 TRAP (IL-1 Trap):
Protein-based product candidate
designed to bind the interleukin-1 (called IL-1) cytokine and
prevent its interaction with cell surface receptors. IL-1 is
thought to play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis and
other inflammatory diseases. In October 2003, we announced that
the IL-1 Trap demonstrated evidence of clinical activity and
safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a
Phase II dose-ranging study in approximately 200 patients.
Patients treated with the highest dose, 100 milligrams of the
IL-1 Trap, exhibited non-statistically significant improvements
in the proportion of American College of Rheumatology
(ACR) 20 responses versus placebo, the primary endpoint of
the trial. Patients treated with the IL-1 Trap also exhibited
improvements in secondary endpoints of the trial. The IL-1 Trap
was generally well tolerated and was not associated with any
drug-related serious adverse events.
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On February 27, 2004, Regeneron announced
plans to initiate a Phase IIb study of the IL-1 Trap in
patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the second half of 2004.
The Phase IIb study will be conducted in a larger patient
population, testing higher doses and for a longer period of time
than in the previous Phase II trial. In addition, we intend
to conduct studies of the IL-1 Trap in a variety of other
inflammatory diseases where interleukin-1 is believed to play a
critical role. We are currently working on new product
formulations that would allow delivery of higher doses of IL-1
Trap either through subcutaneous or intravenous administration
and plan to conduct patient tolerability studies in the first
half of 2004.
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Since March 2003, we have been collaborating with
Novartis Pharma AG on the development of the IL-1 Trap. On
February 27, 2004, we announced that Novartis had provided
notice of its intention not to proceed with the joint
development of the IL-1 Trap. Under the terms of the
collaboration agreement, Novartis remains obligated to fund
agreed upon pre-Phase III IL-1 Trap development expenses
during the nine-month notice period before its voluntary
termination becomes effective. Novartis and we retain rights
under the collaboration agreement to elect to collaborate on the
development and commercialization of other IL-1 antagonists
being developed independently by the other party that are in
earlier stages of development than the IL-1 Trap.
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INTERLEUKIN-4/ INTERLEUKIN-13 TRAP (IL-4/13
Trap):
Protein-based product candidate
designed to bind both the interleukin-4 and interleukin-13
(called IL-4 and IL-13) cytokines and prevent their interaction
with cell surface receptors. IL-4 and IL-13 are thought to play
a major role in diseases such as asthma, allergic disorders, and
other inflammatory diseases. In October 2002, we initiated a
Phase I trial for the IL-4/13 Trap in adult subjects with
mild to moderate asthma. This placebo-controlled, double-blind,
dose escalation study is designed to assess the safety and
tolerability of the IL-4/13 Trap. The trial is expected to be
completed in the first quarter of 2004 and we anticipate
presenting the results at a scientific conference in the second
quarter of 2004. We are also evaluating the potential use of the
IL-4/13 Trap in other therapeutic indications.
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AXOKINE®:
Protein-based product candidate
designed to act on the brain region regulating appetite and
energy expenditure. AXOKINE is being developed for the treatment
of obesity. In March 2003, we reported data from the 12-month
treatment period of our initial Phase III pivotal trial of
AXOKINE. The double-blind treatment period in this study is
being followed by a twelve-month open-label extension phase,
during which all study subjects receive AXOKINE. The extension
phase is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004.
We are currently conducting research on improving the
formulation and delivery of AXOKINE and evaluating its
commercial potential. We do not expect to initiate any Phase III
clinical trials of AXOKINE in 2004.
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Our Areas of Focus
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Anti-Angiogenesis/Angiogenesis in Cancer
and Other Settings: VEGF Trap and the
Angiopoietins
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Research.
A
plentiful blood supply is required to nourish every tissue and
organ of the body. Diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis
wreak their havoc, in part, by destroying blood vessels
(arteries, veins, and capillaries) and compromising blood flow.
Decreases in blood flow (known as ischemia) can result in
non-healing skin ulcers and gangrene, painful limbs that cannot
tolerate exercise, loss of vision, and heart attacks. In other
cases, disease processes can damage blood vessels by breaking
down vessel walls, resulting in defective and leaky vessels.
Leaking vessels can lead to swelling and edema, as occurs in
brain tumors following ischemic stroke, in diabetic retinopathy,
and in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Finally, some
disease processes, such as tumor growth, depend on the induction
of new blood vessels.
In many clinical settings, positively or
negatively regulating blood vessel growth could have important
therapeutic benefits, as could the repair of damaged and leaky
vessels. Thus, building new vessels, by a process known as
angiogenesis, can improve circulation to ischemic limbs and the
heart, aid in healing skin ulcers or other chronic wounds, and
in establishing tissue grafts. Reciprocally, blocking
tumor-induced angiogenesis can blunt tumor growth. In addition,
repairing leaky vessels can reverse swelling and edema.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor was the first
growth factor shown to be specific for blood vessels, by virtue
of having its receptor specifically expressed on blood vessel
cells. In 1994, we discovered a second family of angiogenic
growth factors, termed the Angiopoietins, and we have received
patents covering the members of this family. The Angiopoietins
include naturally occurring positive and negative regulators of
angiogenesis, as described in numerous scientific manuscripts
published by our scientists and their collaborators. The
Angiopoietins are being evaluated in preclinical research by us
and our academic collaborators.
Our studies have revealed that VEGF and the
Angiopoietins normally function in a coordinated and
collaborative manner during blood vessel growth. Thus, for
example, the growth of new blood vessels to nourish ischemic
tissue appears to require both these agents. In addition,
Angiopoietin-1 seems to play a critical role in stabilizing the
blood vessel wall, and in animal models administration of this
growth factor can prevent or repair leaky vessels. In terms of
blocking vessel growth, manipulation of both VEGF and
Angiopoietins seems to be of value.
The approach of inhibiting angiogenesis as a
mechanism of action for an oncology medicine was further
validated in February 2004, when the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (or FDA) approved Genentech, Inc.s VEGF
inhibitor, Avastin. Avastin is an antibody product
designed to inhibit VEGF and interfere with the blood supply to
cancerous tumors. We exploited our Trap technology (which is
described below) to develop a protein-based blocker of VEGF,
referred to as the VEGF Trap.
Oncology.
Cancer is
a heterogeneous set of diseases and one of the leading causes of
death in the developed world. A mutation in any one of dozens of
normal genes can eventually lead a cell to become cancerous;
however, a common feature of cancer cells is that they need to
get nutrients and remove waste products, just as normal cells
do. The vascular system is designed to supply nutrients and
remove waste from normal tissues. Cancer cells can use the
vascular system either by taking over preexisting blood vessels
or by promoting the growth of new blood vessels. VEGF is
secreted by many tumors to stimulate the growth of new blood
vessels to support the tumor. Countering the effects of VEGF,
thus blocking the blood supply to tumors, has been shown to
provide therapeutic benefits.
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Diseases of the Eye.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic
Retinopathy (DR) are two of the leading causes of adult
blindness in the developed world. In both conditions, severe
visual loss is caused by a combination of retinal edema and
neovascular proliferation. VEGF both stimulates angiogenesis and
increases vascular permeability, has been shown to be a major
pathogenic factor in both DR and AMD, and is believed to be
involved in other medical problems affecting the eyes.
Counteracting the effects of VEGF may provide a significant
therapeutic benefit to patients suffering from these disorders.
AMD is a leading cause of severe visual loss in
people over the age of 55 in developed countries. It is
estimated that, in the U.S., 6% of individuals aged 65-74 and
20% of those older than 75 are affected with AMD. DR is a major
complication of diabetes mellitus that can lead to significant
vision impairment. DR is characterized, in part, by vascular
leakage, which results in the collection of fluid in the retina.
When the macula, the central area that is responsible for fine
visual acuity, is involved, loss of visual acuity occurs. This
is referred to as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). DME is the most
prevalent cause of moderate visual loss in patients with
diabetes.
Clinical Development VEGF
Trap.
In November 2001, we initiated a
Phase I clinical trial designed to assess the safety and
tolerability of the VEGF Trap in subjects with solid tumor
malignancies. The Phase I trial is an open-label study in
subjects with advanced tumors and is evaluating the VEGF Trap at
increasing dose levels. The ongoing study is being conducted at
three clinical sites in the United States, and the trial is
expected to be completed in the first half of 2004. A second
phase, expected to begin in the first half of 2004, will test
higher doses of the VEGF Trap delivered intravenously. We are
also evaluating the VEGF Trap for the potential treatment of
certain diseases of the eye and in March 2004, announced the
initiation of a Phase I study of the VEGF Trap in patients with
the neovascular or wet form of age-related macular
degeneration.
In September 2003, we entered into a
Collaboration Agreement with Aventis to jointly develop and
commercialize the VEGF Trap in multiple oncology, ophthalmology,
and possibly other indications throughout the world with the
exception of Japan, where product rights remain with us. In
2004, we and Aventis plan to invest approximately
$100 million to support the development of the VEGF Trap.
The broad based development program will include multiple Phase
I studies to evaluate the VEGF Trap in combination with other
therapies in various cancer indications, Phase II single-agent
studies of the VEGF Trap in separate cancer indications, and
multiple Phase I studies of the VEGF Trap in certain eye
diseases.
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Trap Technology and Additional
Traps
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Research.
Our
research on ciliary neurotrophic factor, or CNTF, led to the
discovery that CNTF, although it is a neurotrophic factor,
belongs to the superfamily of signaling molecules
called cytokines. Cytokines are soluble proteins secreted by the
cells of the body. In many cases, cytokines act as messengers to
help regulate immune and inflammatory responses. In excess,
cytokines can be harmful and have been linked to a variety of
diseases. Blocking cytokines and growth factors is a proven
therapeutic approach with a number of medicines or product
candidates already approved or in clinical development. The
cytokine superfamily includes factors such as erythropoietin,
thrombopoietin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and the
interleukins (or ILs).
During the 1990s, our scientists made a number of
breakthroughs in understanding how receptors work for an entire
family of cytokines, which had broad relevance for many other
families of cytokines and growth factors. Based on these
findings, we developed a new class of protein-based antagonists,
termed Traps, which could be designed to target and block
specific cytokines and growth factors implicated in human
disease. Examples include the VEGF Trap (designed to block VEGF
and PLGF), the IL-1 Trap (designed to block both IL-1 alpha and
IL-1 beta), the IL-4 Trap (designed to block IL-4), the IL-6
Trap (designed to block IL-6), the IL-18 Trap (designed to block
IL-18), and the IL-4/13 Trap (designed to block IL-4 and IL-13).
In preclinical studies, these Traps are more
potent than other growth factor and cytokine antagonists,
potentially allowing lower levels of these drug candidates to be
used. Moreover, because these Traps are comprised entirely of
natural human-derived protein sequences, they may be less likely
to induce an immune reaction in humans. Because pathological
levels of certain cytokines and growth factors seem to
contribute to a variety of diseases, our Traps have the
potential to be important therapeutic agents.
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We have clinical programs underway for our IL-1
Trap and IL-4/13 Trap (see below) and research programs underway
for an IL-6 Trap and an IL-18 Trap. IL-6 has been implicated in
the pathology and progression of multiple myeloma, certain solid
tumors, AIDS, lymphomas (both AIDS-related and
non-AIDS-related), osteoporosis, and other conditions. IL-18 is
thought to contribute to a number of inflammatory and
immunological diseases and disorders. We also have patents
covering additional Traps for IL-2, IL-3, IL-5, IL-15, and
others, which are being studied in earlier stage research
programs. Our research also includes molecular and cellular
research to improve or modify Trap technology, process
development efforts to produce experimental and clinical
research supplies, and in vivo and in vitro studies to further
understand and demonstrate the efficacy of the Traps.
IL-1 Trap.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease in which the immune
system attacks the tissue that lines and cushions joints. Over
time, the cartilage, bone, and ligaments of the joint erode,
leading to progressive joint deformity and joint destruction,
generally in the hand, wrist, knee, and foot. Joints become
painful and swollen and motion is limited. Over two million
people, 1% of the U.S. population, are estimated to have
rheumatoid arthritis, and 10% of those eventually become
disabled. Women account for roughly two-thirds of these patients.
In July 2002, we announced the initiation of a
dose-ranging Phase II study of the IL-1 Trap in subjects with
rheumatoid arthritis. This trial enrolled approximately 200
subjects who received weekly self-injections of one of three
fixed doses of IL-1 Trap or placebo for 12 weeks, followed
by 10 weeks of off-treatment follow-up. In October 2003, we
announced that in this trial the IL-1 Trap demonstrated evidence
of clinical activity and safety. Patients treated with the
highest dose, 100 milligrams of the IL-1 Trap, exhibited
non-statistically significant improvements in the proportion of
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 responses versus
placebo, the primary endpoint of the trial. Patients treated
with the IL-1 Trap also exhibited improvements in secondary
endpoints of the trial. The IL-1 Trap was generally well
tolerated and was not associated with any drug-related serious
adverse events.
On February 27, 2004, we announced plans to
initiate a Phase IIb study of the IL-1 Trap in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis in the second half of 2004. The Phase IIb
study will be conducted in a larger patient population, testing
higher doses and for a longer period of time than in the
previous Phase II trial. In addition, we intend to conduct
studies of the IL-1 Trap in a variety of other inflammatory
diseases where interleukin-1 is believed to play an important
role. We are currently working on new product formulations that
would allow delivery of higher doses of IL-1 Trap either through
subcutaneous or intravenous administration and plan to conduct
patient tolerability studies in the first half of 2004.
Since March 2003, we have been collaborating with
Novartis Pharma AG on the development of the IL-1 Trap. On
February 27, 2004, we announced that Novartis had provided
notice of its intention not to proceed with the joint
development of the IL-1 Trap. Under the terms of the
collaboration agreement, Novartis remains obligated to fund
agreed upon pre-Phase III IL-1 Trap development expenses
during the nine-month notice period before its voluntary
termination becomes effective. Novartis and we retain rights
under the collaboration agreement to elect to collaborate on the
development and commercialization of other IL-1 antagonists
being developed independently by the other party that are in
earlier stages of development than the IL-1 Trap.
IL-4/13 Trap.
One in
13 Americans suffers from allergies and one in 18 suffers from
asthma. The number of people afflicted with these diseases has
been growing at a fast rate. It is believed that IL-4 and IL-13
play a role in these diseases. These two cytokines are essential
to the normal functioning of the immune system, creating a vital
communication link between white blood cells. In the case of
asthma and allergies, however, it is thought that excess levels
of IL-4 and IL-13 causes overactivity of the immune system,
which contributes to disease initiation and progression.
Antagonists for IL-4 and IL-13 may be
therapeutically useful in a number of allergy and asthma-related
conditions, including as an adjunct to vaccines where blocking
IL-4 and IL-13 may help to elicit more of the desired type of
immune response to the vaccine. We have developed both an IL-4
Trap and an IL-4/13 Trap,
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which is a single molecule that can block both
interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. In October 2002, we initiated
a placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose escalation Phase I
clinical trial designed to assess the safety and tolerability of
the IL-4/13 Trap in subjects with mild to moderate asthma. The
trial is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004.
We are also evaluating the potential use of the IL-4/13 Trap in
other therapeutic indications.
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Obesity and Metabolic
Diseases
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Food intake and metabolism are regulated by
complex interactions between diverse neural and hormonal signals
that serve to maintain an optimal balance between energy intake,
storage, and utilization. The hypothalamus, a small area at the
base of the brain, is critically involved in the integration of
peripheral signals which reflect nutritional status and neural
outputs which regulate appetite, food seeking behaviors, and
energy expenditure. Obesity and related metabolic disorders,
such as type 2 diabetes, reflect a dysregulation in the
systems which ordinarily tightly couple energy intake to energy
expenditure. Our preclinical research program encompasses the
study of both central (neuropeptide) and peripheral
(hormonal) regulators of food intake and metabolism in
health and disease.
Obesity is a major health problem in all
developed countries. The prevalence of obesity in the United
States has increased substantially during the past decade. A
1999 Congressional Report funded by the National Institutes of
Health confirmed that obesity significantly increases a number
of health risks, including type 2 diabetes. Obesity-related
conditions, such as stroke and myocardial infarct are estimated
to contribute to about 300,000 deaths yearly, ranking second
only to smoking as a cause of preventable death. Several studies
published in 2002 demonstrate that even modest levels of weight
loss, when maintained over an extended period of time, can
significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2
diabetes. Health care expenditures for obesity-related
conditions now total over $200 billion a year in the United
States. Current treatment of obesity consists of diet, exercise,
and other lifestyle changes, and a limited number of medicines.
There are several approved medicines currently indicated for the
treatment of obesity, including sibutramine (Meridia®, a
registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories) and orlistat
(Xenical®, a registered trademark of Hoffmann-LaRoche,
Inc.).
Clinical Development
AXOKINE.
We are developing AXOKINE for
the treatment of obesity. AXOKINE is our patented genetically
re-engineered form of CNTF. In March 2003, we reported data from
the 12-month treatment period of our initial Phase III
pivotal trial of AXOKINE. The double-blind treatment period in
this study is being followed by a twelve-month open-label
extension phase, during which all study subjects receive
AXOKINE. The extension phase is expected to be completed in the
first quarter of 2004.
Two AXOKINE trials remain ongoing. These trials,
which each include approximately 300 subjects, are evaluating
the safety of intermittent treatment with AXOKINE and studying
maintenance of weight loss following short-term treatment
regimens. Results from these trials are expected to be available
in mid-2004.
We are currently conducting research on improving
the formulation and delivery of AXOKINE and evaluating its
commercial potential. We do not expect to initiate any
Phase III clinical trials of AXOKINE in 2004.
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Muscle Atrophy and Related
Disorders
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Muscle atrophy occurs in many neuromuscular
diseases and also when muscle is unused, as often occurs during
prolonged hospital stays and during convalescence. Currently,
physicians have few options to treat subjects with muscle
atrophy or other muscle conditions which afflict millions of
people globally. Thus, a treatment that has beneficial effects
on skeletal muscle could have significant clinical benefit. Our
muscle program is currently focused on conducting in vivo
and in vitro experiments with the objective of
demonstrating and further understanding the molecular pathways
involved in muscle atrophy and hypertrophy, and discovering
therapeutic candidates that can modulate these pathways. This
work is being conducted in collaboration with scientists at The
Procter & Gamble Company.
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Cartilage Growth Factor System and
Osteoarthritis
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Osteoarthritis results from the wearing down of
the articular cartilage surfaces that cover joints. Thus, growth
factors that specifically act on cartilage cells could have
utility in osteoarthritis. Our scientists have discovered a
growth factor receptor system selectively expressed by cartilage
cells, termed Regeneron Orphan Receptor 2 (ROR2). We have
also demonstrated that this growth factor receptor system is
required for normal cartilage development in mice. In addition,
together with collaborators, we have demonstrated that mutations
in this growth factor receptor system cause inherited defects in
cartilage development in humans. Thus, this growth factor
receptor system is a promising new target for cartilage diseases
such as osteoarthritis, but we have not yet identified any
therapeutic molecules from our research to advance to clinical
development.
Fibrotic diseases, such as cirrhosis, result from
the excess production of fibrous extracellular matrix by certain
cell types. We and our collaborators identified orphan
receptors, termed Discoidin Domain Receptors 1 and 2 (DDR1
and DDR2), that are expressed by the activated cell types in
fibrotic disease. Our work in this area is currently focused on
determining whether selective inhibition or activation of DDR1
and DDR2 would be beneficial in the setting of fibrotic disease.
Further, we are studying key signaling pathways which allow
particular fibrosis-inducing cells to multiply. Inhibition of
such pathways may be useful in preventing the development of
fibrosis. These research activities are being conducted in
collaboration with scientists at Procter & Gamble.
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G-Protein Coupled Receptors
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G-Protein Coupled Receptors have historically
been among the most useful targets for pharmaceuticals. We use a
genomics approach to discover new G-Protein Coupled Receptors
and then we characterize these receptors in our disease models
by examining their expression. Early stage research work on
selected G-Protein Coupled Receptors is being conducted in
collaboration with scientists at Procter & Gamble.
Technology Platforms
Our ability to discover and develop product
candidates for a wide variety of serious medical conditions
results from the leveraging of our powerful technology
platforms, many of which were developed or enhanced by us.
Although the primary use of these technology platforms is for
our own research and development programs, we are also exploring
the possibilities of exploiting these technologies commercially
through, for example, direct licensing or sale of technology, or
the establishment of research collaborations to discover and
develop drug targets. In December 2002, we entered into an
agreement with Serono S.A. to use excess capacity from our
Velocigene technology platform to provide Serono with
knock-out and transgenic mammalian models of gene function.
Under the agreement, which was amended as of January 1,
2004 to expand the scope of services available under the
Velocigene platform, Serono will pay us up to $4.0 million
annually for up to five years.
Targeted
Genomics
. In contrast to
basic genomics approaches, which attempt to identify every gene
in a cell or genome, we use Targeted Genomics approaches to
identify specific genes likely to be of therapeutic interest.
These approaches do not depend on random gene sequencing, but
rather on function-based approaches to specifically target the
discovery of genes for growth factors, peptides, and their
receptors that are most likely to have use for developing drug
candidates. This technology has already led to our discovery of
the Angiopoietin and Ephrin growth factor families for
angiogenesis and vascular disorders, the MuSK growth factor
receptor system for muscle disorders, and the Regeneron Orphan
Receptor (ROR) growth factor receptor system that regulates
cartilage formation.
Velocigene
.
A major challenge facing the biopharmaceutical industry in the
post-genomic era is the efficient assignment of function to
random gene sequences to enable the identification of validated
drug targets. One way to help determine the function of a gene
is to generate mammalian models in which the gene is removed
(referred to as knock-out mammalian models), or is
over-produced (referred to as transgenic mammalian
models), or in which a color-producing gene is substituted
for the gene of interest (referred to as
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reporter knock-in mammalian models)
to identify which cells in the model system are expressing the
gene. Until recently, technical hurdles involved in the
generation of mammalian models restricted the ability to produce
multiple models quickly and efficiently. We have developed
proprietary technology that allows for the rapid and efficient
production of models on a high throughput scale, enabling rapid
assignment of function to gene sequences.
Designer Protein
Therapeutics
. In cases in
which the natural gene product is itself not a product
candidate, we utilize our Designer Protein Therapeutics platform
to genetically engineer product candidates with the desired
properties. We use these technologies to develop derivatives of
growth factors and their receptors, which can allow for modified
agonistic or antagonistic properties that may prove to be
therapeutically useful. This technology platform has already
produced more than 10 patented proteins, including the
VEGF Trap and the IL-1 Trap, which are currently in
clinical testing, and several others in preclinical development.
Our Collaborative Programs
We have entered into collaboration and licensing
agreements with various companies, including Aventis, Novartis,
Procter & Gamble, Amgen Inc., Sumitomo Chemical
Company, Ltd., Medarex, Inc., Emisphere Technologies, Inc., and
Nektar Therapeutics. In addition, we conduct many research
programs in collaboration with academic partners. In the future,
we may enter into additional strategic collaborations or
licensing agreements focusing on one or more of our product
candidates, research programs, or technology platforms. Below
are summaries of our major collaborations.
Aventis.
In
September 2003, we entered into a collaboration agreement
with Aventis to jointly develop and commercialize the VEGF Trap.
Aventis made a non-refundable up-front payment of
$80.0 million and purchased 2,799,552 newly issued
unregistered shares of our Common Stock for $45.0 million.
Under the collaboration agreement, we and Aventis
will share co-promotion rights and profits on sales, if any, of
the VEGF Trap. Aventis has agreed to make a $25.0 million
payment to us upon achievement of an early-stage clinical
milestone. We may also receive up to $360.0 million in
additional milestone payments upon receipt of specified
marketing approvals for up to eight VEGF Trap indications in
Europe or the United States. Regeneron has agreed to continue to
manufacture clinical supplies of the VEGF Trap at our plant in
Rensselaer, New York. Aventis has agreed to be responsible for
providing commercial scale manufacturing capacity for the VEGF
Trap.
Under the collaboration agreement, agreed upon
development expenses incurred by both companies during the term
of the agreement will be funded by Aventis. If the collaboration
becomes profitable, we will reimburse Aventis for 50 percent of
the VEGF Trap development expenses in accordance with a formula
based on the amount of development expenses and our share of the
collaboration profits, or at a faster rate at our option.
Aventis has the right to terminate the agreement
without cause with at least twelve months advance notice. Upon
termination of the agreement for any reason, any remaining
obligation to reimburse Aventis for 50 percent of the VEGF
Trap development expenses will also terminate and we will retain
all rights to the VEGF Trap.
Novartis.
In
March 2003, we entered into a collaboration agreement with
Novartis to jointly develop and commercialize the
IL-1 Trap. Novartis made a non-refundable up-front payment
of $27.0 million and purchased 7,527,050 newly issued
unregistered shares of our common stock for $48.0 million.
Development expenses incurred during 2003 were
shared equally by us and Novartis. We funded our share of 2003
expenses through a loan from Novartis that will be forgiven,
together with accrued interest, should certain preclinical and
clinical milestones be reached, and is otherwise due and payable
on July 1, 2004.
On February 27, 2004, we announced that
Novartis had provided notice of its intention not to proceed
with the joint development of the IL-1 Trap. Under the
terms of the collaboration agreement, Novartis remains obligated
to fund agreed upon pre-Phase III IL-1 Trap
development expenses during the nine-month
8
notice period before its voluntary termination
becomes effective. Novartis and we retain rights under the
collaboration agreement to elect to collaborate on the
development and commercialization of other IL-1 antagonists
being developed independently by the other party that are in
earlier stages of development than the IL-1 Trap.
Procter &
Gamble.
In May 1997, we
entered into a long-term collaboration agreement with
Procter & Gamble to discover, develop, and
commercialize pharmaceutical products. In connection with the
collaboration, Procter & Gamble made equity purchases
of our Common Stock of $42.9 million in June 1997 and
$17.1 million in August 2000. These equity purchases
were in addition to a purchase by Procter & Gamble of
$10.0 million of our common stock that was completed in
March 1997. Procter & Gamble also agreed to
provide funding in support of our research efforts related to
the collaboration, of which we received $80.0 million
through December 31, 2003. From 1997 to 1999,
Procter & Gamble also provided research support for our
AXOKINE program. As a result, Procter & Gamble will be
entitled to receive a small royalty on any sales of AXOKINE.
In August 2000, Procter & Gamble
made two non-recurring research progress payments to us totaling
$3.5 million. Effective December 31, 2000, we and
Procter & Gamble entered into a new long-term
collaboration agreement, replacing the companies 1997
agreement. The new agreement extended Procter &
Gambles obligation to fund our research under the new
collaboration agreement through December 2005, with no
further research obligations by either party thereafter, and
focused the companies collaborative research on
therapeutic areas that are of particular interest to
Procter & Gamble, including muscle atrophy and muscle
diseases, fibrotic diseases, and selected G-Protein Coupled
Receptors. For each of these program areas, the parties
contribute research activities and necessary intellectual
property rights pursuant to mutually agreed upon plans and
budgets established by operating committees. During the first
five years of the agreement, neither party may independently
perform research on targets included in the collaboration.
We and Procter & Gamble divided rights
to the programs from the 1997 collaboration agreement that are
no longer part of the companies collaboration.
Procter & Gamble obtained rights to certain early stage
programs. We have rights to all other research programs
including exclusive rights to the VEGF Trap, the Angiopoietins,
and our Orphan Receptors (RORs). Any product candidates that
result from the new collaboration will continue to be jointly
developed and marketed worldwide, with the companies equally
sharing development costs and profits. Under the new agreement,
beginning in the first quarter of 2001, research support from
Procter & Gamble is $2.5 million per quarter
(before adjustments for inflation) through December 2005.
The new collaboration agreement expires on the
later of December 31, 2005 or the termination of research,
development, or commercial activities relating to compounds that
meet predefined success criteria before that date. In addition,
if either party successfully develops a compound covered under
the agreement to a predefined development stage during the
two-year period following December 31, 2005, the parties
shall meet to determine whether to reconvene joint development
of the compound under the agreement. The agreement is also
subject to termination if either party enters bankruptcy,
breaches its material obligations, or undergoes a change of
control. In addition to termination rights, our new
collaboration agreement with Procter & Gamble has an
opt-out provision, whereby a party may decline to
participate further in a research or product development
program. In such cases, the opting-out party generally does not
have any further funding obligation and will not have any rights
to the product or program in question (but may be entitled to a
royalty on any product sales). If Procter & Gamble opts out
of a product development program, and we do not find a new
partner, we would bear the full cost of the program.
Manufacturing
We maintain an 8,000 square foot
manufacturing facility in Tarrytown, New York. This facility,
designed to comply with FDA current good manufacturing practices
(GMP), produces preclinical and clinical supplies of our product
candidates.
In 1993, we purchased our 104,000 square
foot Rensselaer, New York manufacturing facility, and in
2003 completed a 19,500 square foot expansion. This
facility is used to manufacture therapeutic candidates for our
9
own preclinical and clinical studies. We also use
the facility to manufacture a product for Merck & Co.,
Inc. under a contract that expires in 2005. In July 2002, we
leased 75,000 square feet in a building near our Rensselaer
facility which is being used for the manufacture of Traps and
for warehouse space. As of December 31, 2003, there were no
impairment losses associated with long-lived assets.
At December 31, 2003, we employed 274 people
in our manufacturing operations at these facilities.
In 1995, we entered into a long-term
manufacturing agreement with Merck (called, as amended, the
Merck Agreement) to produce an intermediate for a Merck
pediatric vaccine at our Rensselaer facility. We agreed to
modify portions of our facility for manufacture of the Merck
intermediate and to assist Merck in securing regulatory approval
for manufacturing in the Rensselaer facility. In
December 1999, we announced that the FDA had approved us as
a contract manufacturer for the Merck intermediate. Under the
Merck Agreement, we are manufacturing intermediate for Merck for
six years, with certain minimum order quantities each year. The
Merck Agreement extends through 2005, but may be terminated at
any time by Merck upon one years notice and may be
extended by mutual agreement. Merck reimbursed us for the
capital costs to modify the facility and for the cost of our
activities performed on behalf of Merck prior to the start of
production. Merck pays an annual facility fee of
$1.0 million, subject to annual adjustment for inflation,
reimburses us for certain manufacturing costs, pays us a
variable fee based on the quantity of intermediate supplied to
Merck, and makes certain additional payments. We recognized
contract manufacturing revenue related to the Merck Agreement of
$10.1 million in 2003, $11.1 million in 2002, and
$9.8 million in 2001.
Among the conditions for regulatory marketing
approval of a medicine is the requirement that the prospective
manufacturers quality control and manufacturing procedures
conform to the GMP regulations of the health authority. In
complying with standards set forth in these regulations,
manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in
the area of production and quality control to ensure full
technical compliance. Manufacturing establishments, both foreign
and domestic, are also subject to inspections by or under the
authority of the FDA and by other national, federal, state, and
local agencies. If our manufacturing facilities fail to comply
with FDA and other regulatory requirements, we will be required
to suspend manufacturing. This will have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and
cash flow.
Competition
There is substantial competition in the
biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries from pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, and chemical companies. Our competitors may
include Genentech, Novartis, Pfizer Inc., Hoffmann-LaRoche,
Abbott Laboratories, Sanofi-Synthelabo, Merck, Amgen, and
others. Many of our competitors have substantially greater
research, preclinical, and clinical product development and
manufacturing capabilities, and financial, marketing, and human
resources than we do. Our smaller competitors may also be
significant if they acquire or discover patentable inventions,
form collaborative arrangements, or merge with large
pharmaceutical companies. Even if we achieve product
commercialization, one or more of our competitors may achieve
product commercialization earlier than we do or obtain patent
protection that dominates or adversely affects our activities.
Our ability to compete will depend on how fast we can develop
safe and effective product candidates, complete clinical testing
and approval processes, and supply commercial quantities of the
product to the market. Competition among product candidates
approved for sale will also be based on efficacy, safety,
reliability, availability, price, patent position, and other
factors.
VEGF Trap.
Many
companies are developing therapeutic molecules designed to block
the actions of VEGF specifically and angiogenesis in general. A
variety of approaches have been employed, including antibodies
to VEGF, antibodies to the VEGF receptor, small molecule
antagonists to the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase, as well as
multiple other anti-angiogenesis strategies. Many of these
alternative approaches may offer competitive advantages to our
VEGF Trap in efficacy, side-effect profile, or form of delivery.
Additionally, many of these developmental molecules may be at a
more advanced stage of development than our product candidate.
In particular, Genentech recently was granted approval by the
FDA to market and sell Avastin, a monoclonal antibody to
VEGF. The marketing approval for Avastin may make it more
difficult for us to enroll patients in clinical trials to
support the VEGF Trap. This may delay or impair our ability to
10
successfully develop and commercialize the VEGF
Trap. In addition, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has
successfully advanced its clinical candidate for eye diseases,
Macugen, through Phase II/III trials. Eyetech is
collaborating with Pfizer to develop and commercialize Macugen.
If they receive approval to market Macugen for eye diseases, it
would be more difficult for us to enroll patients in clinical
trials for the VEGF Trap in eye diseases. This may delay or
impair our ability to successfully develop and commercialize the
VEGF Trap.
Cytokine Traps.
Marketed products for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and
asthma are available as either oral or inhaled medicines,
whereas our Cytokine Traps currently are only planned for
clinical trials as injectibles. The markets for both rheumatoid
arthritis and asthma are very competitive. Several new, highly
successful medicines are available for these diseases. Examples
include the TNF-antagonists Enbrel® (a registered trademark
of Amgen), Remicade® (a registered trademark of Centocor),
and Humira® (a registered trademark of Abbott) for
rheumatoid arthritis, and the leukotriene-modifier
Singulair® (a registered trademark of Merck), as well as
various inexpensive corticosteroid medicines for asthma. The
availability of highly effective FDA approved TNF-antagonists
makes it more difficult to successfully develop the
IL-1 Trap for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It
will be difficult to enroll patients with rheumatoid arthritis
to participate in clinical trials of the IL-1 Trap, which
may delay or impair our ability to successfully develop the drug
candidate. In addition, even if the IL-1 Trap is ever
approved for sale, it will be difficult for our drug to compete
against these FDA approved TNF-antagonists because doctors and
patients will have significant experience using these effective
medicines.
AXOKINE.
There is
substantial competition in the discovery and development of
treatments for obesity, as well as established, cost-effective,
and emerging prescription and over-the-counter treatments for
this condition. For example, Hoffmann-LaRoche and Abbott already
market well-established medicines for the treatment of obesity
and Amgen, Sanofi-Synthelabo, and a number of other
pharmaceutical companies are developing new potential
therapeutics. Sanofi-Synthelabo has a cannaboid receptor
antagonist in Phase III clinical development. In
March 2004, Sanofi-Synthelabo reported that patients
treated with this clinical candidate demonstrated significant
weight loss in completed Phase III clinical trials. Many of
these medicines or therapeutic candidates appear to offer
competitive advantages over AXOKINE. For example, AXOKINE
currently is available only in injectible form, while the
currently available marketed medicines for the treatment of
obesity and Sanofi-Synthelabos product candidate are
delivered in pill (or oral dosage) forms, which generally are
favored by people over injectible medicines. Therefore, even if
AXOKINE is approved for sale, the fact that it must be delivered
by injection may severely limit its market acceptance among
patients and physicians.
Other Areas.
Many
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are attempting to
discover and develop small-molecule based therapeutics, similar
in at least certain respects to our program with
Procter & Gamble. In these and related areas,
intellectual property rights have been sought and certain rights
have been granted to competitors and potential competitors of
ours, and we may be at a substantial competitive disadvantage in
such areas as a result of, among other things, our lack of
experience, trained personnel, and expertise. A number of
corporate and academic competitors are involved in the discovery
and development of novel therapeutics using tyrosine kinase
receptors, orphan receptors, and compounds that are the focus of
other research or development programs we are now conducting.
These competitors include Amgen and Genentech, as well as many
others. Many firms and entities are engaged in research and
development in the areas of cytokines, interleukins,
angiogenesis, and muscle conditions. Some of these competitors
are currently conducting advanced preclinical and clinical
research programs in these areas. These and other competitors
may have established substantial intellectual property and other
competitive advantages.
If a competitor announces a successful clinical
study involving a product that may be competitive with one of
our product candidates or an approval by a regulatory agency of
the marketing of a competitive product, such announcement may
have a material adverse effect on our operations, or future
prospects, or the price of our common stock.
We also compete with academic institutions,
governmental agencies, and other public or private research
organizations, which conduct research, seek patent protection,
and establish collaborative arrangements for the development and
marketing of products that would provide royalties for use of
their technology. These
11
institutions are becoming more active in seeking
patent protection and licensing arrangements to collect
royalties for use of the technology that they have developed.
Products developed in this manner may compete directly with
products we develop. We also compete with others in acquiring
technology from such institutions, agencies, and organizations.
Patents, Trademarks, and Trade
Secrets
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to
obtain patents, maintain trade secret protection, and operate
without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties.
Our policy is to file patent applications to protect technology,
inventions, and improvements that we consider important to the
development of our business. We have been granted approximately
100 U.S. patents and we have approximately 100 pending
U.S. applications. We are the nonexclusive licensee of a
number of additional U.S. patents and patent applications.
We also rely upon trade secrets, know-how, and continuing
technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive
position. We or our licensors or collaborators have filed patent
applications on products and processes relating to AXOKINE,
Cytokine Traps, VEGF Trap, and Angiopoietins, as well as other
technologies and inventions in the United States and in certain
foreign countries. We intend to file additional patent
applications, when appropriate, relating to improvements in
these technologies and other specific products and processes. We
plan to aggressively prosecute, enforce, and defend our patents
and other proprietary technology.
In July 2002, we announced that Amgen and
Immunex Corporation (now part of Amgen) granted us a
non-exclusive license to certain patents and patent applications
which may be used in the development and commercialization of
the IL-1 Trap. The license followed two other licensing
arrangements under which we obtained a non-exclusive license to
patents owned by ZymoGenetics, Inc. and Tularik Inc. for use in
connection with the IL-1 Trap program. These license
agreements would require us to pay royalties based on the net
sales of the IL-1 Trap if and when it is approved for sale.
In total, the royalty rate under these three agreements would be
in the mid-single digits.
In August 2003, Merck granted us a
non-exclusive license to certain patents and patent applications
which may be used in the development and commercialization of
AXOKINE. In consideration for the license, we issued to Merck
109,450 newly issued unregistered shares of our Common Stock and
agreed to make an additional payment to Merck if the fair market
value of the shares falls below a certain threshold at the time
that Merck has the right to sell them. We agreed to make an
additional payment upon receipt of marketing approval for a
product covered by the licensed patents and pay royalties, at
staggered rates in the mid-single digits, based on the net
sales, if any, of products covered by the licensed patents.
Patent law relating to the patentability and
scope of claims in the biotechnology field is evolving and our
patent rights are subject to this additional uncertainty. Others
may independently develop similar products or processes to those
developed by us, duplicate any of our products or processes or,
if patents are issued to us, design around any products and
processes covered by our patents. We expect to continue to file
product and process patent applications with respect to our
inventions. However, we may not file any such applications or,
if filed, the patents may not be issued. Patents issued to or
licensed by us may be infringed by the products or processes of
others.
Defense and enforcement of our intellectual
property rights can be expensive and time consuming, even if the
outcome is favorable to us. It is possible that patents issued
to or licensed to us will be successfully challenged, that a
court may find that we are infringing validly issued patents of
third parties, or that we may have to alter or discontinue the
development of our products or pay licensing fees to take into
account patent rights of third parties.
Government Regulation
Regulation by government authorities in the
United States and foreign countries is a significant factor in
the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of our
product candidates. All of our product candidates will require
regulatory approval before they can be commercialized. In
particular, human therapeutic products are subject to rigorous
preclinical and clinical trials and other pre-market approval
12
requirements by the FDA and foreign authorities.
Many aspects of the structure and substance of the FDA and
foreign pharmaceutical regulatory practices have been reformed
during recent years, and continued reform is under consideration
in a number of forums. The ultimate outcome and impact of such
reforms and potential reforms cannot be predicted.
The activities required before a product
candidate may be marketed in the United States begin with
preclinical tests. Preclinical tests include laboratory
evaluations and animal studies to assess the potential safety
and efficacy of the product candidate and its formulations. The
results of these studies must be submitted to the FDA as part of
an Investigational New Drug Application, which must be reviewed
by the FDA before proposed clinical testing can begin.
Typically, clinical testing involves a three-phase process. In
Phase I, trials are conducted with a small number of subjects to
determine the early safety profile of the product candidate. In
Phase II, clinical trials are conducted with subjects afflicted
with a specific disease or disorder to provide enough data to
evaluate the preliminary safety, tolerability, and efficacy of
different potential doses of the product candidate. In Phase
III, large-scale clinical trials are conducted with patients
afflicted with the specific disease or disorder in order to
provide enough data to understand the efficacy and safety
profile of the product candidate, as required by the FDA. The
results of the preclinical and clinical testing of a biologic
product candidate are then submitted to the FDA in the form of a
Biologics License Application, or BLA, for evaluation to
determine whether the product candidate may be approved for
commercial sale. In responding to a BLA, the FDA may grant
marketing approval, request additional information, or deny the
application.
Any approval required by the FDA for any of our
product candidates may not be obtained on a timely basis, or at
all. The designation of a clinical trial as being of a
particular phase is not necessarily indicative that such a trial
will be sufficient to satisfy the parameters of a particular
phase, and a clinical trial may contain elements of more than
one phase notwithstanding the designation of the trial as being
of a particular phase. The results of preclinical studies or
early stage clinical trials may not predict long-term safety or
efficacy of our compounds when they are tested or used more
broadly in humans.
Various federal and state statutes and
regulations also govern or influence the research, manufacture,
safety, labeling, storage, record keeping, marketing, transport,
or other aspects of such product candidates. The lengthy process
of seeking these approvals and the compliance with applicable
statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial
resources. Any failure by us or our collaborators or licensees
to obtain, or any delay in obtaining, regulatory approvals could
adversely affect the manufacturing or marketing of our products
and our ability to receive product or royalty revenue.
In addition to the foregoing, our present and
future business will be subject to regulation under the United
States Atomic Energy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water
Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic
Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, national restrictions, and other present and potential
future local, state, federal, and foreign regulations.
Employees
As of December 31, 2003, we had 644
full-time employees, of whom 110 held a Ph.D. or M.D. degree or
both. We believe that we have been successful in attracting
skilled and experienced personnel in a highly competitive
environment; however, competition for these personnel is
intense. None of our personnel are covered by collective
bargaining agreements and our management considers its relations
with our employees to be good.
Available Information
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports,
proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or SEC, under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, or the Exchange Act. The public may read and copy any
materials that we file with the SEC at the SECs Public
Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on
the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website
13
that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding issuers, including
Regeneron, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can
obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at
http://www.sec.gov
.
We also intend to make available free of charge
on or through our Internet website
(http://www.regn.com)
our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if
applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as
soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.