Category: Health

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – Interim Analysis Shows CM04S1 Outperforms mRNA Vaccines

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, November 20, 2024

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies and vaccines for solid tumor cancers and many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases. The company’s lead program in oncology is a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, presently in a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax’s lead infectious disease candidate is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine targeting high-risk immunocompromised patient populations. Currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, and as a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the vaccine as a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. GeoVax has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

CM04S1 Continues In Phase 2 As DSMB Determines mRNA Vaccine Arm Failed Primary Endpoint. CM04S1 is in Phase 2 testing as a COVID-19 booster against an approved mRNA vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). An interim analysis conducted by an independent Data Safety Monitoring and Review Board (DSMB) determined that the mRNA arm did not meet its specified primary endpoint, but the trial will continue with the CM04S1 arm.

Study Tests CM04S1 In Immunocompromised Patients. The Phase 2 study enrolled patients that are immunocompromised due to CLL and its therapies, which often leaves them unable to mount a sufficient immune response and vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. The trial was designed to determine the immune response with Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine as the control and comparator arm. Patients were randomized at 1:1 into two arms, receiving either two injections of CM04S1 three months apart or the mRNA vaccine. 


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Release – GeoVax Announces Positive Interim Data Review for Phase 2 Clinical Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

 

  • Last updated: 19 November 2024
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GEO-CM04S1 Improved Immune Response vs mRNA Vaccine

ATLANTA, GA, November 19, 2024 — GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, today announced the completion of an interim data review by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of GEO-CM04S1, GeoVax’s dual-antigen next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, as a booster vaccine for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Based on the interim analysis of immune responses from the patients enrolled to date, the DSMB determined that, while the mRNA control arm of the study failed to meet the predetermined primary endpoint, the study should continue enrollment of the experimental arm utilizing GeoVax’s Next-Generation GEO-CM04S1 vaccine. The Phase 2 trial is an investigator-initiated clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05672355) being conducted at City of Hope National Medical Center. The study is examining the use of two injections of GEO-CM04S1, three months apart, to assess immune responses in CLL patients, with an mRNA vaccine as the control arm. Thus far, participants have been randomized 1:1 to receive two boosters with either the GEO-CM04S1 or the mRNA control vaccine.

“This is very exciting news,” commented David Dodd, GeoVax President and CEO, “The outcome of the DSMB interim review appears to support our view of GEO-CM04S1 as a potentially superior COVID-19 vaccine booster within the CLL patient population. Within the CLL and other immune-compromised patient populations, more robust and durable protective immunity is needed, as provided by potential next-generation vaccines such as GEO-CM04S1 that induce both strong T cell and antibody responses.”

Individuals with CLL, regardless of their treatment status, typically exhibit less predictable and often insufficient immune responses to the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines; therefore, such patients may be at higher risk of a lethal COVID-19 infection. GEO-CM04S1 uses a modified vaccinia virus (MVA) viral vector backbone, containing both the Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) antigens of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  Inclusion of both the S and N antigens may be more effective at inducing COVID-19 immunity in patients exhibiting poor antibody responses following receipt of an mRNA vaccine containing only the S antigen as MVA also induces strong T cell expansion, even in the background of immunosuppression. By targeting both the S and N protein antigens, GEO-CM04S1 offers the potential to both broaden the specificity of the immune responses as well as protect against the loss of efficacy associated with current vaccines due to the significant sequence variation observed within the S antigen.

Dodd continued, “This ongoing trial is providing important information about the potential use of GEO-CM04S1 in one of many immune-compromised patient populations. It is also complementary to the pending start of a BARDA-funded 10,000-participant Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GEO-CM04S1 versus an approved COVID-19 vaccine as a booster in healthy individuals. We look forward to sharing further progress reports on each of these programs.”

About GeoVax

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines for many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The company’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine for which GeoVax was recently awarded a BARDA-funded contract to sponsor a 10,000-participant Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GEO-CM04S1 versus an approved COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. A Phase 2 clinical trial in first recurrent head and neck cancer, evaluating Gedeptin® combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor is planned to initiate during the first half of 2025. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. The Company has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: www.geovax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.

Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. 

Company Contact: Investor Relations Contact: Media Contact:
info@geovax.comaustin.murtagh@precisionaq.com                   sr@roberts-communications.com 
678-384-7220 212-698-8696 202-779-0929

Release – Cadrenal Therapeutics Named Anticoagulation Therapy Company of the Year by Pharma Tech Outlook

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CVKD

Recognized as innovative biopharma developing a potentially safer and superior anticoagulant for patients with implanted cardiac devices and rare cardiovascular conditions

PONTE VEDRA, Fla., Nov. 19, 2024 — Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CVKD), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing tecarfarin, a new vitamin K antagonist (VKA) anticoagulant, has been recognized as the 2024 “Anticoagulation Therapy Company of the Year” by Pharma Tech Outlook, an industry publication focused on breakthrough pharmaceutical technologies. The award underscores Cadrenal’s commitment to addressing the significant unmet needs of patients with implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and other rare cardiovascular conditions who require chronic anticoagulation. Cadrenal aims to develop a better VKA blood thinner for these warfarin-dependent patients.

Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing tecarfarin, a clinical-stage novel cardiorenal therapy with orphan drug designation. (PRNewsfoto/Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.)


In addition to receiving the award, Cadrenal was featured in the current edition of Pharma Tech Outlook. Entitled Pioneering Innovation in Anticoagulation for Rare Cardiovascular Conditions, the article highlights tecarfarin, Cadrenal’s lead candidate that is being developed to potentially overcome many of the challenges associated with warfarin anticoagulation therapy including drug-drug interactions and wide variability requiring frequent dosing changes. Unlike VKA warfarin, tecarfarin uses a unique metabolic pathway that is less affected by drug-drug interactions and kidney impairment. By providing a stable, once-daily, and reversible therapeutic, Cadrenal seeks to improve patient outcomes and ease the burden on patients and healthcare providers who face the complex anticoagulation management needs of this population.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Pharma Tech Outlook,” said Quang X. Pham, founder and CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics. “Our goal is to provide a safer and superior blood thinner option for patients who rely on chronic anticoagulation but are underserved by current treatments. Warfarin, the first VKA anticoagulant, was approved more than 70 years ago yet no significant advancements in oral VKA drugs have occurred since then.”

“Cadrenal Therapeutics has demonstrated a commitment to filling a serious gap in anticoagulation therapy,” said Lisa Winget, Managing Editor at Pharma Tech Outlook. “We are pleased to recognize Cadrenal’s innovative approach to developing a new treatment to serve patients with LVADs and other rare cardiovascular conditions.”

With orphan drug and fast-track designations, tecarfarin is uniquely positioned to fill the gap in chronic anticoagulation treatment options for patients with LVADs and rare cardiovascular conditions such as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with atrial fibrillation.

About Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.
Cadrenal Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing tecarfarin, a new vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to provide potentially safer and superior chronic anticoagulation for patients with implanted cardiac devices or rare cardiovascular conditions. Cadrenal is focused on evaluating tecarfarin versus warfarin in reducing adverse events such as strokes, heart attacks, and bleeds in these patients. With tecarfarin, Cadrenal aims to address many of warfarin’s challenges such as drug interactions, frequent dosing adjustments, and kidney impairment effects, which are common in these patients. Tecarfarin has an orphan drug designation for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients and both orphan drug and fast-track designations for end-stage kidney disease patients with atrial fibrillation. Cadrenal is advancing a pivotal trial and pursuing clinical and commercial partnerships, with plans to study mechanical heart valve patients facing anticoagulation difficulties. Visit www.cadrenal.com to learn more.

Safe Harbor

Any statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements include statements regarding Cadrenal’s anticoagulant being a potentially safer and superior anticoagulant for patients with implanted cardiac devices and rare cardiovascular conditions; Cadrenal developing a better VKA blood thinner for warfarin-dependent patients; Cadrenal’s lead candidate potentially overcoming many of the challenges associated with warfarin anticoagulation therapy including drug-drug interactions and wide variability requiring frequent dosing changes; Cadrenal improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on patients and healthcare providers who face the complex anticoagulation management needs of this population; Cadrenal providing a safer and superior blood thinner option for patients who rely on chronic anticoagulation but are underserved by current treatments; and tecarfarin being uniquely positioned to fill the gap in chronic anticoagulation treatment options for patients with LVADs and rare cardiovascular conditions such as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with atrial fibrillation; and advancing a pivotal trial and pursuing clinical and commercial partnerships, with plans to study mechanical heart valve patients facing anticoagulation difficulties. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potentially,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the ability of tecarfarin to be a safer and superior anticoagulant for patients with implanted cardiac devices and rare cardiovascular conditions and being a better VKA blood thinner for warfarin-dependent patients, the ability of the Company to advance tecarfarin in a pivotal trial and to advance tecarfarin with patients with LVADs and those with AFib and ESKD, the ability to advance commercial partnerships and the other risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:

Cadrenal Therapeutics:
Matthew Szot, CFO
858-337-0766
press@cadrenal.com

Investors:
Lytham Partners, LLC
Robert Blum, Managing Partner
602-889-9700
CVKD@lythampartners.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadrenal-therapeutics-named-anticoagulation-therapy-company-of-the-year-by-pharma-tech-outlook-302309432.html

SOURCE Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.

Release – Ocugen Announces Compelling Preliminary Data for OCU410—a Single Dose Novel Modifier Gene Therapy to Treat Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

November 19, 2024

PDF Version

MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced positive preliminary efficacy and safety data from the Phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the Phase 1/2 OCU410 ArMaDa clinical trial for geographic atrophy (GA), secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). Key findings include: no drug-related serious adverse events, reduced lesion growth, preservation of retinal tissue, and—most importantly—there was a positive effect on the functional visual measure of low luminance visual acuity (LLVA).

Currently, there are approximately three million people living with GA in the United States (U.S.) and Europe combined. Patients in the U.S. have only one option available, anti-complement therapy, which requires multiple injections and only addresses one aspect of the disease. There remains no treatment option for GA in Europe.

The OCU410 Phase 1 trial is evaluating nine patients in three dose cohorts (low, medium, and high). The following data was observed for the three patients in the low dose cohort at six months:

  • Considerably slower lesion growth (21.4%) from baseline in treated vs. untreated fellow eyes that followed the natural history of the disease. This result is favorable when compared to published data on pegcetacoplan injected every month or every other month over six months.
  • OCU410 treatment showed increasing preservation of retinal tissue around the GA lesions of treated eyes over six months, which also compared favorably to published data on pegcetacoplan given monthly and every other month.
  • 100% of the OCU410 treated eyes showed stabilization of visual function demonstrating treatment benefit as measured by LLVA.

“Currently approved treatments for GA have not shown significant benefit in visual function. More importantly, we often do not realize the logistical challenge and emotional burden both patients and their caregivers must endure for every month or every other month visits,” said Syed M. Shah, MD, FACS, Director of Retina Service, Vice Chair for Research & Digital Health at Emplify Health – La Crosse, Wisconsin. “Based on the science and preliminary data, OCU410 has the potential to improve structural as well as functional outcomes. This ‘one-and-done’ treatment paradigm can be a gamechanger for how we treat patients with GA.”  

“OCU410 addresses multiple aspects of the disease beyond the complement pathway,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “The latest OCU410 data emphasizes the potential of novel modifier gene therapy as a one-time treatment for dAMD. We remain very encouraged by the latest safety and efficacy data and positive patient outcomes.”

Ocugen also announced promising data from the Phase 1/2 OCU410ST GARDian clinical trial for Stargardt disease and data on Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) from the Phase 1/2 OCU400 clinical trial. All these findings, as well as commentary from study investigators and patient perspectives, were shared at the Company’s recent Clinical Showcase. The data affirms the potential for modifier gene therapy to address both rare inherited retinal diseases and blindness diseases affecting millions.

A full replay of the showcase is available on the Events section of the Ocugen website. For more information about Ocugen’s ongoing clinical trials, please contact clinical.request@ocugen.com

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, strategy, business plans and objectives for Ocugen’s clinical programs, plans and timelines for the preclinical and clinical development of Ocugen’s product candidates, including the therapeutic potential, clinical benefits and safety thereof, expectations regarding timing, success and data announcements of current ongoing preclinical and clinical trials, the ability to initiate new clinical programs; statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (ZVSA) – Reported 3Q24 With Clinical Trials Beginning In 2025

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, November 15, 2024

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

3Q24 Reported With Product Updates. ZyVersa reported a loss of $2.4 million or $(2.43) per share and updated its clinical trial plans for the two products in development. During the quarter, several scientific papers were published showing the role of inflammation in obesity, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. These studies all support previous work by the company and are consistent with the mechanism of action for IC 100.

VAR 200 To Start Phase 2a In Diabetic Kidney Disease. The Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 has shown reductions in the initial damage that starts a cycle of damage and repair that leads to progressive scarring and loss of kidney function. A Phase 2a trial enrolling patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is expected to begin in 1Q25 with initial data announcement around mid-2025.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

PDS Biotechnology (PDSB) – 3Q24 Reported With Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 Trial Expected To Begin In 1Q25

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, November 15, 2024

PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of molecularly targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technology platforms. Our Versamune®-based products have demonstrated the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing in vivo, large quantities of high-quality, highly potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T-cells. PDS Biotech has developed multiple therapies, based on combinations of Versamune® and disease-specific antigens, designed to train the immune system to better recognize diseased cells and effectively attack and destroy them. The Company’s pipeline products address various cancers including HPV16-associated cancers (anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vaginal, vulvar) and breast, colon, lung, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Progress Toward Phase 3 With New Phase 2 VERSATILE-002 Data. PDS Biotech Reported 3Q24 loss of $10.7 million or $(0.29) per share, a slightly lower loss than we estimated. Earlier this week, modifications to the IND protocol for the Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 trial were submitted to the FDA. Approval is expected by mid-December, which would allow the trial to begin in early 2025. 

New Phase 2 VERSATILE-002 Data Analysis Shows Outcomes Were Maintained Or Improved. As additional patients complete their follow-up periods, further analysis of the data has shown improvements over the previous interim reports. The overall survival has been unchanged at 30.0 months, although the lower limit of the confidence interval has increased to 20 months. This compares with 17.9 months for published Keytruda studies. Overall response rate, complete response rate, and disease control rates have improved as well.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – PDS Biotech Provides Clinical Programs Update and Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

Conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) (“PDS Biotech” or the “Company”), a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and kills cancers and the development of infectious disease vaccines, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

“Since our last update in August, we have been actively engaged with investors and clinicians to discuss our strategy and funding requirements for our VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 trial of Versamune® HPV + pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab as a potential treatment for first-line recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC),” said Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. Dr. Bedu-Addo further noted that “based on investor feedback, discussions with key opinion leaders involved with the study and other experts, we have made minor modifications to the VERSATILE-003 trial design to reduce the overall cost and time required to achieve an interim data readout and trial completion.”

With submission of the updated Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week, the Company expects the FDA clearance decision by mid-December, allowing the Company to initiate site activation in the first quarter of 2025.

“Elsewhere in our pipeline, we were pleased with the data from the IMMUNOCERV Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating Versamune® HPV with chemoradiation to treat locally advanced cervical cancer presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting. The presented data demonstrated promising clinical activity and a compelling safety profile. Based on continued research in various HPV-positive cancers conducted by PDS Biotech and independent researchers who recognize its potential, Versamune® HPV appears to work in combination with a variety of therapeutic agents to generate clinical responses and promote improved survival in patients with favorable toxicity. We are exploring the next steps in the development of Versamune® HPV for cervical cancer,” concluded Dr. Bedu-Addo.

Recent Developments

  • Update to Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 Trial Design in HPV16-positive first-line recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC
    • Updated trial design to include approximately 350 patients
    • VERSATILE-002 results have shown broadly improving clinical responses across multiple parameters with increases in patient size and duration of patient follow up over the last year, demonstrating durability of the anti-tumor responses
    • The design, which is informed by the observed durability of the clinical responses, retains statistical power and remains within the confines of our agreement with the FDA on registrational design
    • Design maintains 2:1 randomization and median overall survival as primary endpoint
    • Design imparts potential for earlier interim readouts and study completion
    • Design presents potential for reduced execution costs
    • Amended IND (updated design) submitted November 2024
  • In September 2024, we provided updated results from our VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 clinical trial in recurrent and/or metastatic HPV16-positive HNSCC patients treated with the combination of Versamune® HPV and pembrolizumab presented at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024 by Jared Weiss, M.D., Section Chief of Thoracic and Head/Neck Oncology, Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina, and principal investigator of the VERSATILE-002 clinical trial. Press release here.
  • In October 2024, we provided updated results from our IMMUNOCERV Phase 2 clinical trial in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with Versamune® HPV and chemoradiotherapy presented at the ASTRO Annual Meeting by Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D., The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Press release here.
  • Ravi A. Madan, M.D., Head, Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health presented the rationale and design of recurrent prostate cancer trial combining Xtandi® + PDS01ADC vs Xtandi® alone during an oral presentation at the 12th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society, October 2024. Press release here.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Reported net loss was approximately $10.7 million, or $0.29 per basic share and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $10.8 million, or $0.35 per basic share and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower operating expenses.

Research and development expenses increased to approximately $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase of $0.4 million was primarily attributable to higher manufacturing expenses, partially offset by lower clinical costs and personnel expenses.

General and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from approximately $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease of $0.7 million was primarily attributable to lower personnel costs and professional fees.

Total operating expenses decreased to approximately $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Net interest expenses increased to approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 totaled approximately $49.8 million.

Conference Details

Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
Dial-in 1-877-704-4453 or 1-201-389-0920
Webcast Registration: Click Here
Call Me™ Registration: Click Here (Available 15 minutes prior to call)

About PDS Biotechnology

PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and kills cancers and the development of infectious disease vaccines. The Company plans to initiate a pivotal clinical trial to advance its lead program in advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers. PDS Biotech’s lead investigational targeted immunotherapy Versamune® HPV is being developed in combination with a standard-of-care immune checkpoint inhibitor, and also in a triple combination including PDS01ADC, an IL-12 fused antibody drug conjugate (ADC), and a standard-of-care immune checkpoint inhibitor.

For more information, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning PDS Biotechnology Corporation (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “forecast,” “guidance”, “outlook” and other similar expressions among others. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; the Company’s anticipated capital requirements, including the Company’s anticipated cash runway and the Company’s current expectations regarding its plans for future equity financings; the Company’s dependence on additional financing to fund its operations and complete the development and commercialization of its product candidates, and the risks that raising such additional capital may restrict the Company’s operations or require the Company to relinquish rights to the Company’s technologies or product candidates; the Company’s limited operating history in the Company’s current line of business, which makes it difficult to evaluate the Company’s prospects, the Company’s business plan or the likelihood of the Company’s successful implementation of such business plan; the timing for the Company or its partners to initiate the planned clinical trials for Versamune® HPV, PDS01ADC and other Versamune® and Infectimune® based product candidates; the future success of such trials; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and collaborations, including any collaboration studies concerning Versamune® HPV, PDS01ADC and other Versamune® and Infectimune® based product candidates and the Company’s interpretation of the results and findings of such programs and collaborations and whether such results are sufficient to support the future success of the Company’s product candidates; the success, timing and cost of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for the Company’s current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation, pace of enrollment and completion of the trials (including the Company’s ability to fully fund its disclosed clinical trials, which assumes no material changes to the Company’s currently projected expenses), futility analyses, presentations at conferences and data reported in an abstract, and receipt of interim or preliminary results (including, without limitation, any preclinical results or data), which are not necessarily indicative of the final results of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials; any Company statements about its understanding of product candidates mechanisms of action and interpretation of preclinical and early clinical results from its clinical development programs and any collaboration studies; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; and other factors, including legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments not within the Company’s control. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the other risks, uncertainties, and other factors described under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in the documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  

Versamune® and Infectimune® are registered trademarks of PDS Biotechnology Corporation.

Keytruda® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA.

Xtandi® is a registered trademark of Astellas Pharma Inc.

Investor Contact:
Mike Moyer
LifeSci Advisors
Phone +1 (617) 308-4306
Email: mmoyer@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact:
Janine McCargo
6 Degrees
Phone +1 (646) 528-4034
Email: jmccargo@6degreespr.com

View full release: HERE

Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY) – 3Q24 Reported With Progress Driven By OLC

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, November 14, 2024

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

OLC Achieved Significant Milestones In 3Q24. Unicycive reported a 3Q24 loss of $4.1 million or $(0.05) per share. During the quarter, the NDA was submitted for approval of oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC), its phosphate binder for patients on renal dialysis. After the close of the quarter, the acceptance for filing was announced with a PDUFA date of June 28, 2025. The quarter ended with $32.3 million in cash, which we believe is sufficient to fund operations and launch of OLC in 2025-26.

NDA Submission Was Completed As Expected. In early September, Unicycive submitted the new drug application (NDA) for OLC, its phosphate binder for patients on renal dialysis. On November 11, the company announced FDA acceptance of the application for review and assigned a PDUFA date of June 28, 2025. This is the statutory date for the FDA to answer the application with Market Approval or a denial known as a Complete Response Letter (CRL).


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Cocrystal Pharma (COCP) – 3Q24 Reported With Data Announcements Ahead

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, November 14, 2024

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Two Trials Expected To Report Data Shortly. Cocrystal reported a 3Q24 loss of $4.9 million or $(0.49) per share. The company made progress in its clinical programs during the quarter, including CC42344, its oral PB2 inhibitor for seasonal and pandemic influenza. We see this an increasingly important product, given the spread of a new variant of the virus known as H5N1, or the avian flu. Data from its Phase 2a human challenge study is expected before year-end.

CC-42344 Could Be Effective Against The New Bird Flu. As discussed in our Research Note on June 21, a new virulent strain of influenza known as avian flu (H5N1) had been detected in dairy cattle. Earlier this year, the first infections in dairy workers showed the virus had mutated enough to begin infecting humans. Preclinical testing with CC-42344 showed it was able to inhibit the virus and has potential for human use against the strain.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Poster Presentation at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024 Annual Meeting

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

November 13, 2024 4:05pm ESTDownload as PDF

CHATHAM, N.J., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced that Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, will deliver a poster presentation at the ACR Convergence 2024 Annual Meeting, which will be held in Washington, D.C., November 14-19, 2024. A copy of the Company’s presentation will be available under the Scientific Presentations tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com following the conference. Additional meeting information can be found on the ACR website here.

Presentation Details

Presenter:Seth Lederman, M.D.
  
Title:Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Confirmatory Phase 3 Trial of Bedtime Sublingual Cyclobenzaprine (TNX-102 SL) in Fibromyalgia
  
Poster No.:1218
  
Session:Poster Session B, Pain in Rheumatic Disease Including Fibromyalgia Poster
  
Location:Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
  
Date:Sunday, November 17, 2024
  
Time:10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
  

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and vaccines for public health challenges. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to advance TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for the management of fibromyalgia, for which an NDA was submitted based on two statistically significant Phase 3 studies for the management of fibromyalgia. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. We expect an FDA decision on the acceptance of the NDA for review and a PDUFA date in December and if accepted, a decision on NDA approval in 2025. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder under a Physician-Initiated IND at the University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic in Phase 2 development designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and its development is supported by a grant from the U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse and Addiction. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in the areas of rare disease, including TNX-2900 for Prader-Willi syndrome, and infectious disease, including a vaccine for mpox, TNX-801. Tonix recently announced a contract with the U.S. DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years to develop TNX-4200, small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agents targeting CD45 for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, MD. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.

* Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication.

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Toni’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1, 2024, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Toni’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Investor Contact

Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Ray Jordan
Putnam Insights
ray@putnaminsights.com
(949) 245-5432

Primary Logo

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released November 13, 2024

Release – Cocrystal Pharma Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Updates on its Antiviral Drug-Development Programs

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on COCP

November 13, 2024

 Download as PDF

BOTHELL, Wash., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”) reports financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and provides updates on its antiviral product pipeline, upcoming milestones and business activities.

“The coming months are critically important to Cocrystal as we expect to report topline results from two ongoing clinical studies with our best-in-class antiviral candidates in major medical indications,” said Sam Lee, Ph.D., President and co-CEO of Cocrystal. “In the Phase 2a influenza A challenge study with our oral PB2 inhibitor CC-42344, we expect to report topline results before year end. Earlier this year, we received feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a Pre-IND package that improves our clarity on the regulatory path and requirements for the late-stage influenza A clinical study we plan to conduct in the U.S.

“The multiple-ascending dose portion in our Phase 1 pan-norovirus/pan-coronavirus study with oral protease inhibitor CDI-988 is underway and we are on track to report topline results in late 2024 or early 2025,” he added. “We view the development of an effective antiviral for norovirus as a significant opportunity for Cocrystal. There is no approved vaccine or antiviral for norovirus, which is highly contagious and the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis. In in vitro studies, CDI-988 exhibited pan-viral activity against multiple norovirus strains, including the strain that is responsible for major outbreaks.”

“Our significant clinical progress so far this year puts us on track for an active 2025,” said James Martin, CFO and co-CEO of Cocrystal. “I’m pleased to report that based on our currently projected expenditures and our cost-efficient business model, we expect our cash will be sufficient to fund the advancement of our planned development programs through the coming 12 months.”

Antiviral Product Pipeline Overview

We apply our proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology for developing broad-spectrum antivirals that inhibit viral replication. By designing and selecting antiviral drug candidates that target the highly conserved regions of the viral enzymes, we seek to develop drugs that are effective against the virus and mutations of the virus, and also reduce off-target interactions that may cause undesirable side effects. Our drug discovery process differs from traditional, empirical medicinal chemistry approaches that often require iterative high-throughput compound screening and lengthy hit-to-lead processes.

Influenza Programs

Influenza is a major global health threat that may become more challenging to treat due to the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and resistance to approved influenza antivirals. Each year there are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza worldwide, 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 650,000 deaths. On average, about 8% of the U.S. population contracts influenza each season. In addition to the health risk, influenza is responsible for an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the U.S. annually.

  • Oral CC-42344 for the treatment of pandemic and seasonal Influenza A infections
    • Our novel PB2 inhibitor CC-42344 showed excellent in vitro antiviral activity against pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains, as well as strains that are resistant to Tamiflu® and Xofluza®.
    • In December 2022 we reported favorable safety and tolerability results from the oral CC-42344 Phase 1 study.
    • In December 2023 we began a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a human challenge study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, viral and clinical measurements of CC-42344 in influenza A-infected subjects in the United Kingdom, following authorization from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
    • In May 2024 we completed enrollment in the Phase 2a human challenge study.
    • In June 2024 we reported that in vitro studies demonstrated CC-42344 inhibits the activity of the new highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein recently identified in humans exposed to infected dairy cows.
    • We expect to report topline results from the Phase 2a human challenge study by yearend and plan to file an IND application in 2025 to conduct a late-stage study in the U.S.
  • Inhaled CC-42344 for the therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of pandemic and seasonal Influenza A infections
    • Our preclinical testing showed superior pulmonary pharmacology with CC-42344 including high exposure to drug and a long half-life.
    • We completed CC-42344 inhalation formulation development.
    • We initiated GLP toxicology studies.
  • Influenza A/B Program
    • Our work to develop a preclinical lead of novel influenza replication inhibitors is underway.

Norovirus Program

Norovirus is a highly contagious infection and is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis. Worldwide, norovirus causes about one out of five cases of acute gastroenteritis that leads to diarrhea and vomiting. An estimated 685 million cases and an estimated 50,000 child deaths are attributed to norovirus each year worldwide, with an estimated societal cost of $60 billion. By targeting viral replication, we believe it is possible to develop an effective treatment and/or short-term prophylactic for closed environments for all genogroups of norovirus.

  • Oral pan-viral protease inhibitor CDI-988 for the treatment of norovirus and coronavirus infections
    • Our novel broad-spectrum protease inhibitor CDI-988 is being evaluated as a potential oral treatment for noroviruses and coronaviruses.
    • CDI-988 has shown in vitro pan-viral activity against multiple norovirus strains, including the genogroup II, genotype 4 (GII.4) norovirus strain that is responsible for major norovirus outbreaks.
    • In May 2023 we announced approval of our application to the Australian regulatory agency for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of oral CDI-988 in healthy volunteers.
    • In August 2023 we announced our selection of CDI-988 as our lead for the oral treatment for norovirus, in addition to coronavirus.
    • In September 2023 we began dosing subjects in a first-in-human study in healthy volunteers with oral CDI-988.
    • In July 2024 we reported favorable safety and tolerability results from the single-ascending dose cohort in the Phase 1 study.
    • In September 2024 we advanced CDI-988 into the multiple-ascending dose cohort of the Phase 1 study.
    • We expect to report topline results from the CDI-988 Phase 1 study in late 2024 or early 2025.

COVID-19 and Other Coronavirus Programs

By targeting viral replication enzymes and proteases, we believe it is possible to develop effective treatments for all diseases caused by coronaviruses including COVID-19 and its variants, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). CDI-988 showed potent in vitro pan-viral activity against common human coronaviruses, rhinoviruses and respiratory enteroviruses, as well as against noroviruses. The global COVID-19 therapeutics market is estimated to exceed $16 billion by the end of 2031.

  • Oral pan-viral protease inhibitor CDI-988 for the treatment of coronaviruses and noroviruses
    • CDI-988 exhibited superior in vitro potency against SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrated a favorable safety profile and PK properties.
    • In September 2023 we dosed the first subject in our dual pan-norovirus/pan-coronavirus oral CDI-988 study, which is expected to serve as a Phase 1 study for both indications.
    • In July 2024 we reported favorable safety and tolerability results from the single-ascending dose cohort in the Phase 1 study.
    • In September 2024 we advanced CDI-988 into the multiple-ascending dose cohort of the Phase 1 study.
    • We expect to report topline results from the CDI-988 Phase 1 study in late 2024 or early 2025.

Third Quarter Financial Results

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were $3.2 million, compared with $4.2 million for the third quarter of 2023, with the decrease primarily due to lower clinical study expenses. General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 remained relatively stable at $1.8 million.

The net loss for the third quarter of 2024 was $4.9 million, or $0.49 per share, compared with a net loss for the third quarter of 2023 of $4.2 million, or $0.41 per share, that included a $1.6 million payment to the Company in 2023 for a legal settlement.

Nine Month Financial Results

R&D expenses for the first nine months of 2024 were $10.5 million, compared with $10.9 million for the first nine months of 2023. G&A expenses for the first nine months of 2024 were $4.1 million, compared with $4.6 million for the first nine months of 2023.

The net loss for the first nine months of 2024 was $14.2 million, or $1.40 per share, compared with a net loss for the first nine months of 2023 of $13.5 million, or $1.43 per share.

Cocrystal reported unrestricted cash as of September 30, 2024 of $13.0 million, compared with $26.4 million as of December 31, 2023. Net cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of 2024 was $13.3 million, compared with $11.3 million for the first nine months of 2023. The Company had working capital of $12.3 million and 10.2 million common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our plans for the future development of preclinical and clinical drug candidates, our expectations regarding future characteristics of the product candidates we develop, the expected time of achieving certain value-driving milestones in our programs, including preparation, commencement and advancement of clinical studies for certain product candidates in 2024 and 2025, the viability and efficacy of potential treatments for diseases our product candidates are designed to treat, expectations for the markets for certain therapeutics, our ability to execute our clinical and regulatory goals and deploy regulatory guidance towards future studies, and the expected sufficiency of our cash balance to advance our programs and fund our planned operations. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties arising from future inflation, potential future increases in interest rates uncertainty in the financial markets, the possibility of a recession, and geopolitical conflict including in Ukraine and Israel on our Company, our collaboration partners, and on the U.S., UK, Australia and global economies, including manufacturing and research delays arising from raw materials and labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and other business interruptions on our ability to proceed with studies as well as similar problems with our vendors and our current and any future clinical research organization (CROs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), the ability of our CROs to recruit volunteers for, and to proceed with, clinical studies, our and our collaboration partners’ technology and software performing as expected, financial difficulties experienced by certain partners, the results of any current and future preclinical and clinical studies, general risks arising from clinical studies, receipt of regulatory approvals, regulatory changes including potential downward pressure on government spending on healthcare in the wake of the recent presidential election in the U.S., the impact of the recent U.S. presidential election on regulation affecting the FDA and other healthcare agencies and potential staffing issues, potential mutations in a virus we are targeting that may result in variants that are resistant to a product candidate we develop. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact:
Alliance Advisors IR
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
jcain@allianceadvisors.com

Media Contact:
JQA Partners
Jules Abraham
917-885-7378
Jabraham@jqapartners.com

Financial Tables

Source: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Released November 13, 2024

Release – Unicycive Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on UNCY

November 13, 2024 7:15am EST  Download as PDF

– OLC New Drug Application (NDA) Accepted by the FDA with a PDUFA Target Action Date of June 28, 2025–

– Commercial Planning in Progress for 2025 Launch –

– Late Breaker Poster Presentation on OLC at ASN Kidney Week –

– Successful Completion of UNI-494 Phase 1 Trial –

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNCY) (the “Company” or “Unicycive”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for patients with kidney disease, today announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and provided a business update.

“We are pleased with the tremendous progress we have made over the last several months highlighted by the acceptance of our New Drug Application for oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC) which may result in the potential approval of our first drug in 2025,” said Shalabh Gupta, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Unicycive. “If approved, we believe OLC’s high potency and low pill burden would provide a best-in-class option for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis who have hyperphosphatemia and face adherence challenges with current treatment regimens. With the NDA acceptance now behind us, we are actively preparing to commercialize OLC with the goal of bringing this innovative new treatment to market in the second half of 2025.”

“We have also made progress on our second asset, UNI-494, as we announced the successful completion of our Phase 1 clinical trial providing the necessary data to potentially advance to Phase 2 clinical development. UNI-494 is targeting acute kidney injury (AKI), a challenging and often under-treated disease. We plan to request a meeting with the FDA by the end of this year to continue advancing our clinical development program for UNI-494,” concluded Dr. Gupta.

Key Highlights

  • Announced the acceptance of the New Drug Application (NDA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OLC for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with CKD on dialysis. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) Target Action Date of June 28, 2025.
  • Announced initial results from the patient reported outcome survey conducted during the UNI-OLC-201 pivotal clinical trial. In the survey, OLC consistently outperformed the other phosphate binders in all categories: 79% of patients preferred OLC compared to 18% of patients who preferred their prior therapy; 98% of patients said that OLC was easy to take compared to 55% for their prior therapy; and 89% of patients said they were satisfied with OLC while only 49% were satisfied with their prior therapy.
  • Announced the successful completion of the UNI-494 Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers. The Phase 1 study was a single center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized single ascending dose (Part 1) and multiple ascending dose (Part 2) study in healthy volunteers conducted in the United Kingdom. UNI-494 was well-tolerated as a single dose up to 160 mg and in multiple doses at 40 mg twice-a-day. The absorption of UNI-494 was fast, and UNI-494 was rapidly metabolized to release nicorandil. Collectively, the results will help determine the dose and schedule of UNI-494 in a potential Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with acute kidney injury.
  • Granted a patent on UNI-494 to treat AKI by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, valid until 2040, secures protection of a method of treating a disease or a condition (“method of use”) related to AKI or contrast-induced-nephropathy by administering the UNI-494 compound.
  • Delivered four presentations on OLC and UNI-494 at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024 including a late-breaker poster presentation highlighting favorable safety and tolerability data of OLC. The presentation highlighted the positive pivotal clinical trial data demonstrating that OLC was able to achieve serum phosphate control in more than 90% of patients with CKD on dialysis who entered the maintenance phase of the trial. A poster presentation also described the results from the UNI-494 Phase 1 study results, and two preclinical posters were presented.
  • Two preclinical studies for both OLC and UNI-494 were featured in two publications: “Systemic Absorption of Oxylanthanum Carbonate is Minimal in Preclinical Models” was published in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal; “Evaluation of UNI-494 in Acute Kidney Injury Treatment Efficacy When Administered After Ischemia-Reperfusion in a Rat Model” was published in EC Pharmacology and Toxicology.
  • UNCY was added to the Russell Microcap® Index effective July 1, 2024. Membership in the Russell Microcap® Index, which remains in place for one year is accompanied by automatic inclusion in the appropriate growth and value style indexes.

Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

Research and Development (R&D) expenses were $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily due to decreased drug development costs.

General and Administrative (G&A) expenses were $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased non-cash stock compensation expense.

Other Income was $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $1.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023, due primarily to a decrease in the fair value of our warrant liability.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $4.1 million, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $4.4 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decreased net loss for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 was attributable to a decrease in the fair value of our warrant liability.

As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $32.3 million. The Company believes that it has sufficient resources to fund planned operations into 2026.

About Unicycive Therapeutics

Unicycive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for kidney diseases. Unicycive’s lead drug candidate, oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC), is a novel investigational phosphate binding agent being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis. Positive pivotal trial results were reported in June 2024 for OLC, and a New Drug Application (NDA) is under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) Target Action Date of June 28, 2025. OLC is protected by a strong global patent portfolio including an issued patent on composition of matter with exclusivity until 2031, and with the potential patent term extension until 2035 after OLC approval. Unicycive’s second asset, UNI-494, is a patent-protected new chemical entity in clinical development for the treatment of conditions related to acute kidney injury. UNI-494 has successfully completed a Phase 1 trial. For more information, please visit Unicycive.com and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated” and “intend” or other similar terms or expressions that concern Unicycive’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Unicycive’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are several factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; our clinical trials may be suspended or discontinued due to unexpected side effects or other safety risks that could preclude approval of our product candidates; risks related to business interruptions which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses; dependence on key personnel; substantial competition; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors described more fully in the section entitled ‘Risk Factors’ in Unicycive’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Unicycive specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

Kevin Gardner
LifeSci Advisors
kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com

Chris Calabrese
LifeSci Advisors
ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com

SOURCE: Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.

Ocugen (OCGN) – Ocugen Clinical Showcase Highlights Fundamentals, Clinical Data, and Patient Stories

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing novel gene therapies, biologicals, and vaccines. The lead product in its gene therapy program, OCU400, is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Ocugen Held A Meeting With Scientists, Doctors, and Patients. On November 12, Ocugen held a Clinical Showcase meeting to present the scientific basis of its Gene Modifier technology, interim data updates from its clinical trials, and allow patients to discuss their experiences with the treatments.

First OCU410 Data Shows Efficacy. The Phase 2 ArMaDa trial is testing OCU410 in Geographic Atrophy (GA), a lesion in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration that leads to blindness. The presentations included its four mechanisms of action and the clinical outcomes from the initial patient cohorts in the dose-escalation stage of the trial. These data at 6 months compare favorably to approved complement inhibitors for GA.


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