PDS Biotech Announces Final Topline Survival Data from VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 Trial in Head and Neck Cancer

Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation announced final topline survival data from its VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 clinical trial, showing a median overall survival (mOS) of 39.3 months in patients with CPS ≥ 1, significantly outperforming the best published result of 17.9 months with standard care pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab + chemotherapy [1][2][7] Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming immune system responses to cancer, particularly through its lead investigational product PDS0101 (Versamune HPV) [5] - The company is advancing its lead program in advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers, with ongoing pivotal clinical trials [5] Clinical Trial Details - The VERSATILE-002 trial is an open-label, multi-center Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of PDS0101 in combination with pembrolizumab for unresectable, recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancer [4] - The trial enrolled 53 patients, with PDS0101 administered via subcutaneous injection alongside IV infusion of pembrolizumab during the first four treatment cycles [7] Survival Data and Efficacy - The mOS of 39.3 months was achieved in patients with CPS ≥ 1, with a 95% confidence interval lower limit of 23.9 months [7] - The durable patient survival is attributed to high levels of long-lasting, multifunctional HPV16-specific CD8+ T cells induced by PDS0101, consistent across various patient demographics and clinical characteristics [7] Market Position and Future Outlook - PDS Biotech is positioned for leadership in the rapidly growing segment of HPV16-positive head and neck cancer, addressing a significant unmet medical need [3] - The combination therapy of PDS0101 and pembrolizumab is reported to be well tolerated, with no patients discontinuing due to treatment-related adverse events [3]