Allos Therapeutics reports larger 4th-qtr loss due to costs of selling cancer drug Folotyn

Allos Therapeutics’ 4Q loss widens on costs

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Biotechnology company Allos Therapeutics Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter loss widened on higher costs associated with sales of the cancer drug Folotyn.

The drug received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September. Folotyn treats relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer that attacks the immune system.

The company lost $22.9 million, or 22 cents per share, compared with a loss of $14.7 million, or 18 cents per share, during the same period a year prior.

Allos’ quarterly sales rose to $3.6 million from zero a year earlier.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a loss of 20 cents per share on revenue of $1.6 million.

Operating costs jumped 73 percent to $26.6 million, mainly on selling, general, and administrative expenses.

For the full year, the company lost $73.6 million, or 81 cents per share, compared with a loss of $51.7 million, or 69 cents per share, in 2008.

Shares of Allos fell 2 cents to $7.98 in after-hours trading after gaining 22 cents, or 2.8 percent, to close at $8 during the regular trading session.