Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation has completed patient recruitment for Stage 1 of a clinical trial for its PDS01ADC therapeutic in combination with floxuridine for metastatic colorectal cancer, leading to an expansion into Stage 2 of the study [1][2] Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - The trial is an open-label, single-center, non-randomized Phase 2 study with three cohorts: metastatic colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and adrenocortical cancer [2] - The colorectal cancer cohort achieved the milestone of at least 6 out of 9 participants showing an objective response, allowing enrollment to continue up to 22 participants [2] - The study is conducted under a collaborative research and development agreement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) [2] Group 2: Product Information - PDS01ADC is a fused antibody drug conjugate that targets tumor necrosis by binding to exposed DNA [3] - The investigational approach aims to minimize systemic exposure to IL-12, potentially reducing treatment-limiting toxicities [4] Group 3: Market Context - Colorectal cancer is a significant health issue, with over 930,000 deaths globally in 2020, highlighting the need for more effective treatments [4] - In the U.S., over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed annually, with 20% already metastatic at diagnosis [4]

Summary of PDS Biotechnology (PDSB) Update - May 23, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: PDS Biotechnology (PDSB) - **Event**: Update on ASCO 2025 presentations related to Versamune HPV Key Industry Insights - **Focus Area**: Head and neck cancer, specifically HPV16 positive cases - **Current Trends**: Shift in incidence rates from predominantly HPV negative to HPV16 positive head and neck cancers - **Market Research**: A survey indicated that approximately 59% of head and neck cancers in the U.S. are HPV16 positive, aligning with expert feedback suggesting rates between 60% and 70% [10][11] Core Points and Arguments 1. **Clinical Trials**: PDS Biotech is conducting the only ongoing registrational trial (VERSAL-three) specifically targeting HPV16 positive head and neck cancer, which is a significant and growing medical problem [17][44] 2. **Prognosis**: HPV16 positive patients have a worse prognosis compared to P16 positive patients, with studies indicating that HPV16 positive patients may have survival rates similar to HPV negative patients [16][30] 3. **Survival Data**: The VERSAL-two trial reported a median overall survival (MOS) of 30 months for HPV16 positive patients, which is significantly better than the published results for other treatments [19][20] 4. **Treatment Mechanism**: Versamune HPV is designed to generate T cells that specifically target E6 and E7 proteins of HPV16, which are integrated into tumor DNA, providing a robust treatment approach for this patient population [32] 5. **Regulatory Considerations**: The FDA has requested a companion diagnostic to confirm HPV16 positive patients for enrollment in the VERSAL-three trial, emphasizing the need for accurate patient identification [23][32] Additional Important Insights - **Confusion in Terminology**: There is ongoing confusion between P16 positive and HPV16 positive classifications, which complicates treatment discussions and patient management [52][54] - **Competitive Landscape**: Other ongoing trials have shown better responses in HPV negative patients compared to HPV positive patients, highlighting the challenges in treating HPV16 positive cases [54] - **Recruitment Strategy**: The specificity of the HPV16 positive population has aided in the recruitment of clinical sites for the VERSAL-three trial, with oncologists expressing a preference for enrolling HPV16 positive patients in this study [41][48] Conclusion - PDS Biotech is positioned to address a significant unmet need in the treatment of HPV16 positive head and neck cancer through its innovative immunotherapy approach, with promising clinical data supporting its efficacy and ongoing trials aimed at improving patient outcomes [57][58]

Core Viewpoint - PDS Biotechnology Corporation is participating in the A.G.P. Virtual Annual Healthcare Company Showcase, highlighting its focus on immunotherapy for cancer treatment [1][2]. Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company dedicated to transforming the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancers [3]. - The company has initiated a pivotal clinical trial for its lead program, which targets advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers [3]. - The lead investigational therapy, Versamune HPV, is being developed in combination with a standard immune checkpoint inhibitor and in a triple combination with PDS01ADC, an IL-12 fused antibody drug conjugate [3]. Event Details - The A.G.P. Virtual Annual Healthcare Company Showcase is scheduled for May 21, 2025, with a fireside chat featuring the CEO of PDS Biotech from 5:20 to 5:40 p.m. ET [2]. - An archived replay and transcript of the fireside chat will be available on the company's Investor Relations website following the event [2].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a net loss of approximately $8.5 million, or about $0.21 per share, compared to a net loss of $10.6 million, or $0.30 per share, in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease due to increased tax benefits and lower operating expenses [12][13] - Research and development expenses were $5.8 million for Q1 2025, down from $6.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower clinical trial expenses [12] - General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million for Q1 2025, compared to $3.4 million in the prior year [13] - Total operating expenses decreased to $9.1 million in Q1 2025 from approximately $10.1 million in Q1 2024 [13] - Cash balance as of March 31, 2025, was $40 million, down from $41.7 million as of December 31, 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company initiated the VERSAL-three registrational trial for Versamune HPV plus pembrolizumab, targeting recurrent or metastatic HPV16 positive head and neck cancer, which is projected to become the most prevalent type of head and neck cancer by the mid-2030s [6][8] - The VERSAL-three trial design includes approximately 350 patients, with a two-arm design approved by the FDA [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company highlighted the growing population in need of targeted therapies for HPV16 positive head and neck cancer, which is difficult to treat and represents a significant market opportunity [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its clinical programs, particularly the VERSAL-three trial, which is the first phase three trial in the high-risk HPV16 population [8][54] - The company aims to leverage its strong relationship with the National Cancer Institute to progress its MUC1 program, which is part of a collaborative research agreement [11][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of the Versamune HPV and pembrolizumab combination to significantly improve patient outcomes, citing encouraging clinical responses and survival data from previous trials [8][27] - The management team emphasized the importance of durability in treatment responses, noting that patients in the VERSAL-two trial had a median overall survival of 30 months compared to the standard of care's 12 months [27][28] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $11 million through a securities purchase agreement and completed a refinancing of its debt, extending the term to 36 months [14][15] - The company plans to present updated results from the VERSAL-two study at the upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Keytruda head and neck neoadjuvant data on enrollment expectations for Phase III - Management clarified that the KEYNOTE-689 trial focused mainly on HPV negative patients and should not affect enrollment in the VERSAL-three trial, as very few HPV positive patients are eligible for surgery [22][23] Question: Insights on durability from the upcoming ASCO presentation - Management indicated that the upcoming ASCO presentation will provide additional data on durability and survival, highlighting the long-term responses observed in the VERSAL-two trial [24][27] Question: Enrollment status for the VERSAL-three trial - Management stated that enrollment details have not been publicly disclosed yet, as the activation of sites and patient screening processes are ongoing [48][49] Question: Future operating expenses expectations - Management noted that while they do not provide specific financial guidance, they expect a relatively stable trial spend going forward, with higher initial expenses typical in the early stages of a trial [51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a net loss of approximately $8.5 million, or about $0.21 per share, compared to a net loss of $10.6 million, or $0.30 per share, in Q1 2024, reflecting improved tax benefits and lower operating expenses [12][14] - Research and development expenses decreased to $5.8 million from $6.7 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower clinical trial expenses [12] - General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million, slightly down from $3.4 million in the prior year [12] - Total operating expenses for the quarter were $9.1 million, down from approximately $10.1 million in the previous year [12] - Cash balance as of March 31, 2025, was $40 million, compared to $41.7 million as of December 31, 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its clinical programs, particularly the Versamune HPV plus pembrolizumab treatment for HPV16 positive head and neck cancer, with the initiation of the VERSAL-three registrational trial [5][8] - The VERSAL-three trial design includes approximately 350 patients and has received FDA approval [6][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates that by the mid-2030s, HPV16 positive head and neck cancer will become the most prevalent type of head and neck cancer in the U.S. and Europe [5] - The VERSAL-three trial is the first phase three trial targeting the high-risk HPV16 population [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the potential of Versamune HPV in improving outcomes for patients with recurrent and metastatic HPV16 positive head and neck cancer [5][8] - There is a strong emphasis on collaboration with institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute to enhance research and development efforts [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of the Versamune HPV and pembrolizumab combination to significantly improve patient outcomes, citing encouraging clinical response durability [7][28] - The management team highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term clinical responses, with a median overall survival of 30 months observed in the VERSAL-two trial compared to the standard of care's 12 months [28][29] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $11 million through a securities purchase agreement and completed a refinancing of its debt, extending the term to 36 months [14] - The upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting will feature presentations on the VERSAL-two trial and other studies, which are expected to provide further insights into the company's clinical advancements [9][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Keytruda head and neck neoadjuvant data on enrollment expectations for VERSAL-three - Management clarified that the KEYNOTE-689 trial primarily involved HPV negative patients, and thus, it should not affect enrollment in the VERSAL-three trial, which focuses on HPV positive patients [22][23] Question: Insights on durability from the upcoming ASCO presentation - Management indicated that the ASCO presentation will provide updates on the durability of responses observed in the VERSAL-two trial, emphasizing the long-term survival benefits compared to standard treatments [24][30] Question: Enrollment status for VERSAL-three and operational expenses outlook - Management stated that enrollment details have not been publicly disclosed yet, and they expect a steady recruitment state as more sites are activated [47][50]

Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation has granted a nonstatutory stock option to an employee in its clinical department as part of its 2019 Inducement Plan, which aims to attract new talent [1][2] - The stock option allows the purchase of 5,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.31, the closing price on the grant date, and vests over a four-year period [2] - PDS Biotechnology is focused on immunotherapy, particularly in developing its lead program, Versamune HPV, for advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers [3] Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company aiming to change how the immune system targets and kills cancers [3] - The company is conducting a pivotal clinical trial for its lead investigational targeted immunotherapy, Versamune HPV, in combination with standard immune checkpoint inhibitors and other therapies [3]

Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation is advancing its investigational flu vaccine, Infectimune, which has shown promising preclinical immune response data at the IMMUNOLOGY2025™ Annual Meeting [1][2] - The vaccine has demonstrated a significantly greater frequency of multifunctional, influenza-specific CD4 T cells compared to current vaccine approaches, indicating its potential effectiveness [2] - Infectimune-based universal flu vaccines have shown excellent breadth of protective immune response against multiple strains of influenza in preclinical studies [3] Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming immune system responses to target and kill cancers and infectious diseases [1][5] - The company is currently conducting a pivotal clinical trial for its lead program, Versamune HPV, aimed at treating advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers [5] - PDS Biotech is leveraging collaborations to enhance its research while focusing resources on its immuno-oncology programs [4]

Core Viewpoint - PDS Biotechnology Corporation is set to report its financial results for Q1 2025 and provide updates on its clinical programs during a conference call on May 14, 2025 [1][2]. Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on enhancing the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancers [3]. - The company has initiated a pivotal clinical trial for its lead program, which targets advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers [3]. - The lead investigational targeted immunotherapy, Versamune HPV, is being developed in combination with a standard immune checkpoint inhibitor and in a triple combination with PDS01ADC, an IL-12 fused antibody drug conjugate [3].

Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation announced that preclinical immune response data for a novel Infectimune-based flu vaccine will be presented at the American Association of Immunologists' IMMUNOLOGY2025™ Annual Meeting [1] - The presentation will focus on broadly protective immunity against influenza and opportunities for universal influenza vaccines [2] - PDS Biotech is advancing its lead program in advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers through a pivotal clinical trial [3] Presentation Details - Title of the presentation: Broadly Protective Immunity against Influenza and Opportunities for Universal Influenza Vaccines [2] - Session Type: Guest Symposium at the International Society of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (ISIRIV) Symposium [2] - Date and Time: May 4, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. HST [2] - Presenter: Andrea Sant, Ph.D., Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center [2] Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming immune responses to target and kill cancers [3] - The company is developing its lead investigational targeted immunotherapy, Versamune HPV, in combination with standard-of-care immune checkpoint inhibitors [3] - PDS Biotech is also exploring a triple combination therapy that includes PDS01ADC, an IL-12 fused antibody drug conjugate, along with standard-of-care immune checkpoint inhibitors [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately $37.6 million or $1.03 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $42.9 million or $1.39 per basic and diluted share for the prior year [21] - Research and development expenses for 2024 were $22.6 million, down from $27.8 million in 2023, primarily due to decreases in clinical costs, personnel costs, and professional fees [22] - General and administrative expenses for 2024 were $13.8 million, compared to $15.3 million in 2023, reflecting a decrease in professional fees and facilities costs [23] - Total operating expenses for 2024 were $36.3 million, compared to $43 million in 2023 [23] - The company's cash balance as of December 31, 2024, was $41.7 million, not including the direct offering concluded in February 2025 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 clinical trial of Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab has been initiated, targeting HPV16-positive head and neck cancer, a growing population in need of targeted therapies [8][10] - The trial design includes approximately 350 patients, with a primary endpoint of median overall survival [10][12] - The VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 study showed median overall survival of 30 months, with an objective response rate improvement from 26% to 36% [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - HPV-16 positive head and neck cancer is projected to become the most prevalent type of head and neck cancer in the U.S. and Europe by the mid-2030s [9] - The best-published median overall survival for pembrolizumab is 17.9 months, indicating the potential competitive advantage of the Versamune HPV combination [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the first to market with an HPV-targeted immunotherapy for head and neck cancer, leveraging strong clinical data from the VERSATILE-002 study [16][84] - The focus remains on progressing the VERSATILE-003 trial while collaborating with the National Cancer Institute on other programs [17][60] - The company plans to raise necessary capital in a stepwise manner as it progresses with the Phase 3 trial, balancing funding needs against shareholder dilution [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of the Versamune HPV combination to improve patient outcomes and enhance standard-of-care [10][16] - The current funding environment is challenging, but the company successfully raised $11 million recently [33] - Management is optimistic about rapid enrollment in the VERSATILE-003 trial due to the familiarity of sites from the Phase 2 trial [30][53] Other Important Information - The company announced FDA clearance for the Investigational New Drug application for the combination of Versamune MUC1 and PDS01ADC to treat metastatic colorectal cancer [16] - The trial design for VERSATILE-003 includes two interim data readouts, allowing for early discussions with the FDA regarding potential accelerated approval [46][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Enrollment trajectory for Versamune-003 and projected timelines - Management indicated that most sites from the Phase 2 trial are re-engaged, which should expedite enrollment [30] Question: Current funding environment for studies - The company acknowledged the challenging funding environment but expressed satisfaction with recent fundraising efforts [33] Question: Rationale for the reduced patient sample size in VERSATILE-003 - The reduction from over 400 to 350 patients was based on observed durability of responses and retained statistical power [44] Question: Timeline for MUC1 candidate and TARP program - The MUC1 trial is led by the National Cancer Institute, and timelines will depend on their progress [75] - No guidance has been provided for the TARP program at this time [79]