Workflow
Immunotherapy
icon
Search documents
Oncolytics Biotech® Announces Update for Potential First-Line Pancreatic Cancer Registration Study
Prnewswire· 2025-09-29 12:30
Core Insights - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. is advancing its clinical trial for pelareorep in first-line pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is scheduled to meet with the FDA in mid-November 2025 to discuss study details [1][4] Proposed Registration Study Design - The study design is based on a post-hoc pooled clinical analysis showing a 22% two-year survival rate for patients receiving pelareorep with chemotherapy, compared to 9% for those on chemotherapy alone [3] - The trial will utilize a three-arm design: 1. Gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (GnP) control arm 2. GnP + pelareorep 3. GnP + pelareorep + checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) - The primary endpoint is Overall Survival (OS), with statistical rigor to detect significance between investigational arms and the control arm [8] Company Overview - Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing pelareorep, an investigational immunotherapeutic agent designed to activate immune responses against cancer [5] - The company is also pursuing strategic partnerships to enhance development and commercial impact, with Fast Track designation from the FDA for its programs in metastatic pancreatic and breast cancers [6]
Provectus Biopharmaceuticals Initiates Preclinical Study of Oral PV-10 in Bladder Cancer
Globenewswire· 2025-09-29 12:00
Core Insights - Provectus Biopharmaceuticals has initiated a preclinical study for its investigational drug PV-10 targeting bladder cancer, with results anticipated in Q1 2026 [1][2] - The study will assess PV-10's efficacy through various treatment methods, including oral and intravesical monotherapy, as well as in combination with an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor [2] - Successful outcomes from this research could lead to an expanded investigational new drug application for PV-10, potentially transforming treatment options for solid tumor and hematologic cancers [3] Company Overview - Provectus Biopharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on developing immunotherapy treatments based on rose bengal sodium, a synthetic small molecule [4] - The company's clinical programs encompass oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology, with additional initiatives in hematology, wound healing, infectious diseases, and tissue repair [4]
Elicio Therapeutics Announces Investigator-Initiated Phase 1 Trial to be Conducted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and funded by The Lustgarten Foundation for Neoadjuvant ELI-002 7P in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Globenewswire· 2025-09-29 12:00
Core Viewpoint - Elicio Therapeutics is initiating a Phase 1 investigator-initiated trial to evaluate ELI-002 7P in combination with chemotherapy and an anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor for treating borderline and resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) [1][2][4] Company Overview - Elicio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies for cancer, particularly targeting high-prevalence cancers like mKRAS-positive pancreatic and colorectal cancers [11] - The company's lead product candidate, ELI-002, is an investigational AMP cancer vaccine targeting KRAS mutations, which are prevalent in many human cancers [5][11] Trial Details - The upcoming trial will evaluate mFOLFIRINOX in combination with ELI-002 7P, with or without the anti-PD-1 antibody, enrolling 20 patients across two cohorts [2][8] - The trial is expected to commence in the first half of 2026 [2][8] Scientific Rationale - The combination of standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy with innovative immunotherapies aims to convert "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors, enhancing T-cell responses and potentially improving surgical outcomes and long-term survival [3][4] - ELI-002 7P has shown robust T-cell responses in previous trials, targeting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of PDAC [3][4] Future Prospects - If Phase 1 results are positive, the company plans to expand the treatment to a broader population, potentially benefiting more PDAC patients and enhancing commercial opportunities [4][11] - Elicio's AMP technology aims to improve immune activation and promote durable cancer immunosurveillance, with plans to expand ELI-002 to other indications, including mKRAS-positive lung cancer [11]
Medicenna Therapeutics (OTCPK:MDNA.F) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-09-25 20:27
Summary of Medicenna Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - Medicenna Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on developing therapies for oncology, particularly through its proprietary "evolutionary superkinds" licensed from Stanford University [2][3] - The company is listed on TSX and OTCQX, with a market capitalization of approximately CAD 80 million [14] Core Programs and Developments - **Lead Program: MDNA-11** - MDNA-11 is an IL-2 superagonist engineered to target cancer-fighting immune cells, showing response rates of 30-50% in patients who previously failed treatments like Keytruda and Opdivo [3][8] - The drug has been designed to be safer and more potent than other IL-2 therapies, with a focus on reducing administration frequency to every two to three weeks [6][7] - Nearly 100 patients have been treated, with promising data indicating good response rates [7][8] - **Second Program: Bispecific Molecule** - A bispecific molecule combining MDNA-11 with a checkpoint inhibitor (like Keytruda) is planned to enter clinical trials next year [3][4] - This aims to treat patients resistant to existing checkpoint inhibitors [4] - **Third Program: Bezoxifas** - This program is ready for phase three clinical trials, targeting patients who have failed surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with phase 2b trials showing survival improvement from 7 months to 14 months [4][13] - The company is actively seeking partnerships for this program [4] Market Opportunity - The potential market for MDNA-11 includes over 100,000 patients annually in the US who have failed checkpoint inhibitors and have no other treatment options [9][10] - The company is focusing on melanoma patients and biomarker-driven populations (MSI high and TMB high) for potential phase two registration trials [10] Future Expectations - Upcoming data readouts for MDNA-11 are expected by the end of the year, including results from melanoma and biomarker-driven patients [10][13] - The company plans to advance the MDNA-113 program towards IND enabling studies, leading to phase one and two clinical trials in the second half of next year [13] Financial Position - Medicenna has CAD 21 million in cash, sufficient to fund operations into Q3 of the following year [14] - Insider ownership stands at approximately 22% [14] Analyst Coverage - The company is covered by several analysts from firms including Bloom Burton, Jones Research, HC Wainwright, and Research Capital [14]
Sensei Biotherapeutics to Host Virtual KOL Event to Discuss Full Dose Expansion Data for Solnerstotug in PD-(L)1 Resistant Tumors on October 20, 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-09-23 11:30
Company Overview - Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation therapeutics for cancer patients [4] - The company utilizes its TMAb™ platform to create conditionally active therapeutics that target immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment [4] Upcoming Event - Sensei Biotherapeutics will host a virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event on October 20, 2025, featuring discussions on immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors [1] - The event will include updates on the company's Phase 2 studies and data from the full Phase 1/2 dose expansion cohort, including insights from an ESMO oral presentation on October 17 [2] Product Information - The lead product candidate, solnerstotug (formerly SNS-101), is a monoclonal antibody targeting VISTA in PD-(L)1 resistant tumors [2] - Solnerstotug is designed to block the VISTA checkpoint selectively within the low pH tumor microenvironment, enhancing T cell activation against tumors [4] Key Opinion Leader - Dr. Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Co-Director of Clinical Research at START, will participate in the KOL event, bringing expertise in drug development and oncology [3]
BioNTech to Host Second AI Day as an Edition of Its Innovation Series on October 1, 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-09-23 10:45
Core Insights - BioNTech SE, in collaboration with InstaDeep Ltd., will host its second AI Day on October 1, 2025, in London, focusing on BioNTech's AI strategy and its applications in the company's pipeline and internal processes [1] Company Overview - BioNTech is a global biopharmaceutical company specializing in next-generation immunotherapy, developing innovative therapies for cancer and serious diseases [3] - The company utilizes a variety of computational discovery and therapeutic modalities to rapidly develop novel biopharmaceuticals [3] - BioNTech's oncology product candidates include mRNA cancer immunotherapies, next-generation immunomodulators, and targeted therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and CAR T cell therapies [3] - The company is also researching multiple mRNA vaccine candidates for infectious diseases, leveraging its expertise in mRNA development and in-house manufacturing capabilities [3] - BioNTech has established partnerships with several global pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Roche Group [3]
PDS Biotech Sets Significant Benchmark in Head and Neck Cancer by Achieving Extended Survival in Low PD-L1 Expression (CPS 1–19) Cohort in VERSATILE-002 Trial, Potentially Eliminating Need for Chemotherapy in the Population
Globenewswire· 2025-09-18 12:45
Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation announced that its combination therapy of PDS0101 (Versamune HPV) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) achieved a median overall survival (mOS) of 29.5 months in patients with low PD-L1 expression (CPS 1-19), significantly outperforming Keytruda alone (10.8 months) and Keytruda plus chemotherapy (12.3 months) [1][7] Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - The VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of PDS0101 in combination with Keytruda for patients with HPV16-positive recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer [1][4] - Approximately 60% of the patients enrolled in the trial had low PD-L1 expression, indicating a challenging subset of the overall patient population [3] - The full study population reported an mOS of 39.3 months, with detailed data expected to be published later this year [3] Group 2: Expert Commentary - Prof. Kevin Harrington highlighted the significance of the results, noting the potential for a well-tolerated treatment option without chemotherapy for patients [2] - Dr. Kirk Shepard emphasized that the findings suggest PDS0101 may enhance survival outcomes for patients who typically have limited treatment options and poor prognosis [3] Group 3: Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is focused on developing immunotherapy treatments that enhance the immune system's ability to target and kill cancer cells, with a pivotal clinical trial underway for advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers [5] - The company is also exploring a triple combination therapy involving PDS01ADC, an IL-12 fused antibody drug conjugate, alongside standard immune checkpoint inhibitors [5]
Daiichi Sankyo (OTCPK:DSKY.F) Update / Briefing Transcript
2025-09-18 00:02
Summary of Daiichi Sankyo Update / Briefing on September 17, 2025 Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Daiichi Sankyo - **Industry**: Oncology, specifically focusing on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and related therapies Key Points and Arguments 1. **Unmet Medical Need in SCLC**: Small cell lung cancer has a high unmet medical need, particularly in extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), which accounts for approximately 70% of SCLC cases [1][2] 2. **Recent Drug Approvals**: The field has seen new drug approvals, including lurbinectedin in 2020 and tarlatamab in 2024, alongside traditional chemotherapy agents [2] 3. **IEDxB Program Introduction**: The IEDxB program targets B7-H3, an antigen expressed in many cancers but absent in normal cells, presenting a broad opportunity for development [3] 4. **Phase One Trial Results**: The completed phase one trial of IEDxB showed a robust overall response rate (ORR) of 52% and a progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.9 months, indicating strong efficacy across various tumor types [4][5] 5. **Phase Two Study in ES-SCLC**: The phase two study in relapsed ES-SCLC demonstrated a confirmed response rate of 48.2% and a median duration of response of 5.3 months, with a PFS of 4.9 months and overall survival (OS) of 10.3 months [9][10] 6. **Activity in Brain Metastases**: IEDxB showed a response rate of 46% in patients with brain metastases, which is significant given the challenges of treating such cases [9][10] 7. **Safety Profile**: The safety profile of IEDxB is manageable, with an interstitial lung disease (ILD) rate of 12.7%, primarily low grade [9][10] 8. **Breakthrough Therapy Designation**: IEDxB received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA, which may expedite the review process and approval timeline [20][54] 9. **Combination Studies**: Ongoing studies are exploring combinations of IEDxB with other therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and bispecific agents, to enhance treatment efficacy [11][12][30] 10. **Competitive Landscape**: IEDxB is positioned favorably against competitors like tarlatamab, with a different mechanism of action and a distinct safety profile, which may influence physician prescribing choices [22][24] Additional Important Content 1. **Patient Demographics**: The study population primarily consisted of male patients, with 28% having brain metastases and 50% receiving IEDxB as first-line therapy [7] 2. **Future Development Plans**: Daiichi Sankyo plans to expand IEDxB's application to other cancers, including prostate and vaginal cancers, and is conducting multiple combination studies to explore its full potential [11][12][28] 3. **Regulatory Strategy**: The company is optimistic about the regulatory submission plans due to the breakthrough designation and the completion of pivotal trials [27][54] 4. **Biomarker Strategy**: Current data suggests that a specific biomarker for B7-H3 may not be necessary in SCLC, as the drug shows activity across a broad patient population [32][33] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the Daiichi Sankyo briefing, highlighting the company's focus on innovative therapies for small cell lung cancer and its strategic positioning in the oncology market.
Daiichi Sankyo (OTCPK:DSKY.F) Earnings Call Presentation
2025-09-17 23:00
WCLC 2025 Highlights DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD. September 17th (US)/ 18th (JP), 2025 Forward-Looking Statements Management strategies and plans, financial forecasts, future projections and policies, and R&D information that Daiichi Sankyo discloses in this material are all classified as Daiichi Sankyo's future prospects. These forward looking statements were determined by Daiichi Sankyo based on information obtained as of today with certain assumptions, premises and future forecasts, and thus, there are vario ...
Biotech Breakouts: 3 Stocks With Massive Upside Potential
MarketBeat· 2025-09-17 22:23
Group 1: Biotechnology Investment Overview - Investing in biotechnology stocks is complex due to the underlying science and high volatility, with double-digit price movements common [1] - Biotech stocks present a compelling risk-reward proposition for long-term investors willing to endure clinical trial phases [1] Group 2: Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) - Viking Therapeutics stock surged in 2024 due to the popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs but dropped over 40% in 2025, including a 20% decline after an August clinical trial update [3][4] - The clinical trial showed an average weight loss of 12.2% among patients, but concerns arose over a high dropout rate of 28% and the highest dosage results compared to competitors [4] - Analysts have set a consensus price target of $87.50 for VKTX, indicating a potential upside of 270% from current levels [4] Group 3: ImmunityBio (IBRX) - ImmunityBio stock increased by approximately 8.4% in 2025, primarily due to positive pilot study results for glioblastoma, where all five patients achieved 100% disease control [9][10] - ANKTIVA, the company's drug, received FDA approval for bladder cancer and is being tested for other cancers, HIV, and Long COVID, making it a promising immunotherapy candidate [10] - Analysts have a consensus price target of $10.75 for IBRX, suggesting a potential gain of over 280, but caution is advised as the stock is trading above its 200-day SMA with an RSI of 76 [11] Group 4: Maze Therapeutics (MAZE) - Maze Therapeutics stock has risen approximately 86% since its public trading began in February 2025, with analysts optimistic about further growth [14] - The company reported positive Phase 1 results for its lead candidate MZE782, which targets phenylketonuria (PKU) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), allowing progression to Phase 2 trials [15] - Analysts project a price target of $32.67 for MAZE, with the most bullish estimate at $50, indicating potential for significant growth [16]