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Release – PDS Biotech Reaffirms Guidance for First Quarter Initiation of VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 Clinical Trial in HPV16-Positive Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Posted on February 5, 2025February 6, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

FDA-cleared amended trial design; First site initiation expected Q1 2025

PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 05, 2025 (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, today reaffirmed the Company’s guidance of initiating its VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 clinical trial of Versamune^® HPV plus pembrolizumab for first-line treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) in the first quarter of this year.

PDS Biotech submitted its updated clinical protocol on November 15, 2024, amending the Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The window for comments from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has passed, and the Company is on track to initiate site activation in the first quarter of 2025. The Company has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for the combination of Versamune^® HPV and pembrolizumab in R/M HNSCC. (See VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 clinical results here.)

“The integral elements for trial initiation are ready, including alignment with the FDA,” said Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. “We look forward to initiating VERSATILE-003 this quarter and advancing the combination of Versamune^® HPV plus pembrolizumab to potentially provide improved outcomes for patients with HPV16-positive R/M HNSCC.”

HPV16-positive patients represent a large, fast-growing subgroup in need of targeted therapies to treat the underlying cause of the cancer. A recently validated companion diagnostic to confirm HPV16-positive HNSCC will be utilized during the patient screening process of the VERSATILE-003 trial.

“HPV16-positive HNSCC is poised to become the dominant type of HNSCC in the US and EU,” said Kirk Shepard, M.D., PDS Biotech’s Chief Medical Officer. “Confirming HPV16 status with a potentially commercializable test is essential to effectively identifying the patients suitable to receive Versamune HPV. This will be the first investigational use of this type of companion diagnostic in a Phase 3 clinical trial in HNSCC.”

For more information on VERSATILE-003, visit ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT06790966).

About PDS Biotechnology
PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and kills cancers. 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 T-cell stimulating 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^® 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^® 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^® is a registered trademark of PDS Biotechnology Corporation.

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

Release – MAIA Biotechnology Announces Positive Efficacy Updates for Phase 2 THIO-101 Trial in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Posted on February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on MAIA

February 04, 2025 8:51am EST Download as PDF

Median overall survival (OS) from THIO treatment extends to 16.9 months
Newest data strengthens regulatory strategy

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., (NYSE American: MAIA) (“MAIA”, the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, today announced positive updated data from its THIO-101 pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating its lead clinical candidate, THIO, sequenced with Regeneron’s immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) cemiplimab (Libtayo^®) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who failed two or more standard-of-care therapy regimens.

As of January 15, 2025, third line (3L) data showed median overall survival (OS) of 16.9 months for the 22 NSCLC patients who received at least one dose of THIO (the intent-to-treat population) in parts A and B of the trial. The analysis demonstrated a 95% confidence interval (CI) lower bound of 12.5 months and a 99% CI lower bound of 10.8 months. The treatment has been generally well-tolerated to date in this heavily pre-treated population¹. Studies of standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapy treatments for NSCLC in a similar setting have shown OS of 5 to 6 months.²

“Treatment with THIO now shows a 99% probability that overall survival will extend past chemotherapy’s measure by a wide margin,” said Vlad Vitoc, M.D., CEO of MAIA. “THIO’s efficacy in advanced stages of NSCLC continues to exceed our expectations, especially in third-line treatment where the cancer is typically even more resistant to therapy. Our findings suggest great benefits to patients with unmet medical needs who see little hope for the future.

“With our latest overall survival results, our outlook for potential FDA commercial approval of THIO is stronger than ever,” Dr. Vitoc concluded.

Based on its regulatory strategy, MAIA believes there could be an opportunity for accelerated FDA approval of THIO depending on final results from the ongoing expansion of the THIO-101 trial.

About THIO

THIO (6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) is a first-in-class investigational telomere-targeting agent currently in clinical development to evaluate its activity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Telomeres, along with the enzyme telomerase, play a fundamental role in the survival of cancer cells and their resistance to current therapies. The modified nucleotide 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine (THIO) induces telomerase-dependent telomeric DNA modification, DNA damage responses, and selective cancer cell death. THIO-damaged telomeric fragments accumulate in cytosolic micronuclei and activates both innate (cGAS/STING) and adaptive (T-cell) immune responses. The sequential treatment with THIO followed by PD-(L)1 inhibitors resulted in profound and persistent tumor regression in advanced, in vivo cancer models by induction of cancer type–specific immune memory. THIO is presently developed as a second or later line of treatment for NSCLC for patients that have progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen of existing checkpoint inhibitors.

About THIO-101, a Phase 2 Clinical Trial

THIO-101 is a multicenter, open-label, dose finding Phase 2 clinical trial. It is the first trial designed to evaluate THIO’s anti-tumor activity when followed by PD-(L)1 inhibition. The trial is testing the hypothesis that low doses of THIO administered prior to cemiplimab (Libtayo^®) will enhance and prolong immune response in patients with advanced NSCLC who previously did not respond or developed resistance and progressed after first-line treatment regimen containing another checkpoint inhibitor. The trial design has two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of THIO administered as an anticancer compound and a priming immune activator (2) to assess the clinical efficacy of THIO using Overall Response Rate (ORR) as the primary clinical endpoint. Treatment with THIO followed by cemiplimab (Libtayo^®) has been generally well-tolerated to date in a heavily pre-treated population. For more information on this Phase II trial, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov using the identifier NCT05208944.

About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Forward Looking Statements

MAIA cautions that all statements, other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels or activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that statements are not forward-looking. For example, all statements we make regarding (i) the initiation, timing, cost, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical studies and our research and development programs, (ii) our ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical studies, (iii) the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, (iv) our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our product candidates and to improve the manufacturing process, (v) the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, (vi) the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve those markets, and (vii) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates, are forward looking. All forward-looking statements are based on current estimates, assumptions and expectations by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Any forward-looking statement expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors beyond our control that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In this release, unless the context requires otherwise, “MAIA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refers to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

__________________________

¹ Details on safety can be found on the previously announced SITC 2024 presentation available on MAIA’s website.

² Girard N, et al. J Thorac Onc 2009;12:1544-1549.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250204174307/en/

Investor Relations Contact
+1 (872) 270-3518
ir@maiabiotech.com

Source: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

Released February 4, 2025

Release – GeoVax Announces Strategic Integration of AI in Support of President Trump’s Stargate Initiative

Posted on February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

Harnessing AI to Revolutionize Vaccine and Therapy Development

ATLANTA, GA, February 3, 2025 — GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a leader in vaccine and immunotherapy development, announced today its endorsement of President Donald J. Trump’s Stargate Initiative, which aims to harness advanced technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen U.S. healthcare, biosecurity, and global innovation leadership. This announcement aligns with GeoVax’s commitment to leveraging AI across its vaccine and cancer immunotherapy programs to accelerate research, optimize operations, and deliver life-saving solutions.

Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI

GeoVax has embedded AI into its platforms for vaccine development and cancer immunotherapy, enabling groundbreaking advances:

Vaccine Development: AI drives target discovery and design for vaccines using the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) platform, including GEO-CM04S1, GeoVax’s next-generation vaccine for COVID-19, and vaccines for Mpox and Smallpox. AI predicts pathogen mutations, ensuring long-lasting and variant-proof vaccines.
Cancer Immunotherapy: AI optimizes GeoVax’s Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (GDEPT) for solid tumors, including predictive modeling of tumor microenvironments, real-time adjustment of protocols to maximize therapeutic efficacy, and identifying synergistic combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Clinical Targeting: AI-powered analytics will refine patient stratification, ensuring that GeoVax’s therapies reach underserved populations most in need, aligning with the initiative’s national focus to maximize therapeutic efficacy.
Manufacturing and Operations: AI improves GeoVax’s vaccine production scalability and supply chain management, ensuring timely delivery to strategic stockpiles.

Aligned with the Stargate Vision

President Trump’s Stargate Initiative, supported by up to $500 billion in private-sector investment, represents a bold step forward in embracing transformative technologies. GeoVax proudly aligns with this vision, advancing U.S. healthcare innovation and pandemic preparedness.

David Dodd, GeoVax Chairman and CEO, stated: “President Trump’s Stargate Initiative exemplifies leadership in harnessing AI to address critical healthcare challenges. GeoVax is honored to support this initiative, highlighting its application of AI to develop vaccines and therapies that save lives and enhance biosecurity. We are proud to contribute to a future where the United States leads the world in healthcare innovation.”

Building on Operation Warp Speed’s Legacy

GeoVax’s efforts reflect the spirit of President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment. By integrating AI into its research and operational strategies, GeoVax aims to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medical science.

A Commitment to Life-Saving Innovation

GeoVax remains steadfast in its mission to develop innovative vaccines and immunotherapies, leveraging the power of AI to meet the healthcare needs of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. With AI now embedded in its processes, GeoVax anticipates shorter development timelines, increased efficiency in clinical trials, and enhanced capacity to deliver life-saving therapies globally. Collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners and federal agencies will further amplify the reach and impact of GeoVax’s innovative programs under the Stargate framework. AI-enabled supply chain optimization will further ensure efficient vaccine distribution to high-priority populations and regions.

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 in mid-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.com	austin.murtagh@precisionaq.com	sr@roberts-communications.com
678-384-7220	212-698-8696	202-779-0929

Release – Ocugen Announces Positive Opinion of European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Advanced Therapies for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Classification for Modifier Gene Therapy Candidate OCU400 for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Posted on February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

February 3, 2025

PDF Version

MALVERN, Pa., Feb. 03, 2025 (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 that the European Commission has provided a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) for OCU400 Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) classification. OCU400 is the first gene therapy to enter Phase 3 with a broad retinitis pigmentosa (RP) indication.

“Receiving ATMP classification is another significant milestone toward bringing OCU400 to the market in Europe,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of Ocugen. “This designation makes it possible to stay on track with our clinical and commercial strategy and potentially provide this novel modifier gene therapy candidate to all RP patients in the United States (U.S.) and Europe by 2027.”

ATMP classification is granted to medicines that can offer groundbreaking opportunities for the treatment of disease and accelerates the regulatory review timeline of this potential one-time gene therapy for life. Additionally, this classification allows Ocugen to interact with EMA more frequently for scientific advice and protocol assistance as the Company pursues Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) filing in 2026.

Underscoring the vital need for gene-agnostic treatments for diseases with multiple mutations such as RP, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EMA have acknowledged that the ongoing single, pivotal Phase 3 trial of OCU400 can suffice for Biologics License Application (BLA)/MAA submissions. Ocugen intends to file simultaneously in the U.S. and Europe upon completion of the Phase 3 trial.

The Phase 3 OCU400 liMeliGhT clinical trial is currently enrolling. The study has a sample size of 150 participants—one arm of 75 participants with RHO gene mutations and the other arm with 75 participants that are gene agnostic. In each arm, participants will be randomized 2:1 to the treatment group (2.5 x 10¹⁰ vg/eye of OCU400) and untreated control group, respectively. Patients eight years of age and older, with early through late-stage advancement of RP, are being recruited to participate in the liMeliGhT study.

“We are encouraged by the EMA’s recognition of OCU400 as the Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial advances,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the EMA to address the unmet medical need that remains for nearly 98% of the RP patient population.”

RP affects nearly 310,000 patients in the U.S., EU, and Canada. Currently, RP is associated with mutations in more than 100 genes and there are no approved treatment options that slow or stop the progression of multiple forms of RP.

OCU400 is the Company’s gene-agnostic modifier gene therapy product based on NHR gene, NR2E3. NR2E3 regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina—such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks. Through its drive functionality, OCU400 resets altered/affected cellular gene networks and establishes homeostasis—a state of balance, which has the potential to improve retinal health and function in patients with inherited retinal diseases.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies 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, 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; the ability of OCU400 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical, preclinical or previous clinical study 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 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
AVP, Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Release – Strengthening America’s Biosecurity: GeoVax Advances Domestic Vaccine Capability

Posted on January 29, 2025January 29, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

Last updated: 29 January 2025
Created: 29 January 2025
Hits: 63

Addressing Critical U.S. Vulnerabilities in Vaccine Supply and National Preparedness

ATLANTA, GA, January 29, 2025 — GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies, today highlighted that it is committed to playing a pivotal role in reinforcing America’s biosecurity through its GEO-MVA vaccine, designed to combat both smallpox and Mpox. In light of recent global health challenges, the United States has recognized the critical need to reduce dependence on foreign vaccine suppliers and bolster domestic production capabilities.

The 2022 Mpox pandemic significantly depleted the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) of vaccines, exposing vulnerabilities in the nation’s preparedness for emerging health threats. Compounding this issue is the nation’s reliance on a single foreign manufacturer for smallpox and Mpox vaccines. This dependency poses a strategic risk, especially considering the current Clade I Mpox outbreak in Africa, characterized by an estimated 5%-10% mortality rate, increasingly migrating to other regions worldwide.

GeoVax’s GEO-MVA vaccine is expected to offer a timely and strategic solution. Developed on the proven Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) platform, a clinical batch of GEO-MVA has recently been produced under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) production. Clinical evaluation of the vaccine is expected to begin this year. The Company’s innovative advanced MVA manufacturing process is anticipated to provide scalable, flexible and cost-effective vaccine production, reducing reliance on foreign vaccine manufacturers and reinforcing domestic biosecurity.

America First – Bolstering U.S. Biomanufacturing Resilience

The importance of onshoring medical product manufacturing has garnered bipartisan support among U.S. legislators. Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) officially launched the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus for the 118th Congress. (https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=11059)

Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT), August Pfluger (R-TX), Mark Green (R-TN), and former Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) have also sought feedback on policy solutions to secure and enhance domestic medical supply chains. (https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/moore-wenstrup-pfluger-and-green-release-request-for-information-on-policy-solutions-to-secure-and-enhance-domestic-medical-supply-chains)

In addition, John Crowley, President of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), has underscored the urgency of reshoring biomanufacturing capacity to protect public health and national security. (https://bio.news/biosecurity/national-security-biosecurity-biomanufacturing-biotech-manufacturing-john-crowley-bio/)

GeoVax’s commitment to domestic vaccine production aligns seamlessly with these national initiatives, positioning GEO-MVA as a cornerstone in America’s strategy to achieve vaccine independence and enhance public health preparedness.

David Dodd, GeoVax’s Chairman and CEO, stated, “With GEO-MVA, we intend to create the first U.S.-based source for a Mpox vaccine, an important biodefense goal.”

Recent Conference Presentations

GeoVax CEO David Dodd recently presented the Company’s strategic initiatives and the potential of GEO-MVA at:

Biotech Showcase: January 14, 2025
Emerging Growth Conference: January 16, 2025

For additional details, visit www.geovax.com.

About GEO-MVA

GEO-MVA is a Mpox and smallpox vaccine candidate utilizing U.S. NIH rights acquired by GeoVax. Designed for robust immune responses, GEO-MVA is anticipated to offer a safe and effective solution for both immunocompromised and general populations.

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

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

Release – Unicycive Therapeutics Announces the Publication of Patient Perspectives on Phosphate Management in the Journal of Nephrological Science

Posted on January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on UNCY

January 28, 2025 7:00am EST

Large pill size, high pill burden and palatability were identified as key barriers for phosphate binder adherence

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNCY), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for patients with kidney disease (the “Company” or “Unicycive”), today announced the publication of a review on patient perspectives regarding phosphate management in the peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Nephrological Science.

The publication, entitled “Patient Perspectives: The Effects of Contemporary Phosphorus Management on Quality of Life,” examines the challenges of phosphate management therapies from patients’ viewpoints, focusing on the limitations of current phosphate binders and their effect on patients’ quality of life. The publication underscores key findings from patient surveys and medical literature, identifying critical barriers to effective phosphorus management and emphasizing the need for patient-centered approaches to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

“In therapeutic categories with significant patient non-adherence to standard of care like chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is essential to understand the factors disrupting medical intervention in order to offer physicians and patients innovative solutions,” said Shalabh Gupta, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Unicycive. “We believe products like Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC), which is characterized by small pill size, lower pill burden, and easy-to-swallow tablets, have the potential to address many of the inherent challenges in phosphorus management that often lead to nonadherence and poor serum phosphate control. If approved, we look forward to offering OLC to CKD patients on dialysis with hyperphosphatemia.”

Key Findings:

Hyperphosphatemia is linked to increased mortality risk.
Dialysis patients often face a high daily pill burden, with phosphate binders making up about 50% of the total.
Nonadherence to phosphate binders is a significant challenge contributing to elevated phosphate levels. Studies show non-adherence rates range from 22% to 74%, with a mean non-adherence rate of 51%.
Factors contributing to non-adherence include large pill size, high pill burden, and unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. Social factors and timing complexities also impact adherence.
Engaging patients in discussions about different phosphate binders and their unique characteristics is key to improving adherence and satisfaction. New therapies that reduce pill size or burden while maintaining efficacy could enhance clinical outcomes, quality of life, and the patient-clinician relationship.

The full publication can be accessed here.

About Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC)

Oxylanthanum carbonate is a next-generation lanthanum-based phosphate binding agent utilizing proprietary nanoparticle technology being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OLC has over forty issued and granted patents globally. Its potential best-in-class profile may have meaningful patient adherence benefits over currently available treatment options as it requires a lower pill burden for patients in terms of number and size of pills per dose that are swallowed instead of chewed. Based on a survey conducted in 2022, Nephrologists stated that the greatest unmet need in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia with phosphate binders is a lower pill burden and better patient compliance.¹ The global market opportunity for treating hyperphosphatemia is projected to be in excess of $2.28 billion, with the North America accounting for more than $1 billion of that total.² Despite the availability of several FDA-cleared medications, 75 percent of U.S. dialysis patients fail to achieve the target phosphorus levels recommended by published medical guidelines.³

Unicycive is seeking FDA approval of OLC via the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. The NDA submission package is based on data from three clinical studies (a Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers, a bioequivalence study in healthy volunteers, and a tolerability study of OLC in CKD patients on dialysis), multiple preclinical studies, and the chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) data. OLC is protected by a strong global patent portfolio including issued patents on composition of matter with exclusivity until 2031, and with the potential for patent term extension until 2035.

About Hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia is a serious medical condition that occurs in nearly all patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). If left untreated, hyperphosphatemia leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which then results in renal osteodystrophy (a condition similar to osteoporosis and associated with significant bone disease, fractures and bone pain); cardiovascular disease with associated hardening of arteries and atherosclerosis (due to deposition of excess calcium-phosphorus complexes in soft tissue). Importantly, hyperphosphatemia is independently associated with increased mortality for patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Based on available clinical data to date, over 80% of patients show signs of cardiovascular calcification by the time they become dependent on dialysis.⁴

Dialysis patients are already at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (because of underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension), and hyperphosphatemia further exacerbates this. Treatment of hyperphosphatemia is aimed at lowering serum phosphate levels via two means: (1) restricting dietary phosphorus intake; and (2) using, on a daily basis, and with each meal, oral phosphate binding drugs that facilitate fecal elimination of dietary phosphate rather than its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.

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, X, 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.

¹Reason Research, LLC 2022 survey. Results here.
² Fortune Business Insights™, Hyperphosphatemia Treatment Market, 2023-2030
³ US-DOPPS Practice Monitor, May 2021; http://www.dopps.org/DPM
⁴ Block GA, Klassen PS, Lazarus JM, Ofsthun N, Lowrie EG, Chertow GM. Mineral metabolism, mortality, and morbidity in maintenance hemodialysis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2004 Aug;15(8):2208-18. doi: 10.1097/01.ASN.0000133041.27682.A2. PMID: 15284307.

Investor Contacts:

Kevin Gardner
LifeSci Advisors
kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com

Chris Calabrese
LifeSci Advisors
ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com

SOURCE: Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.

Source:

Released January 28, 2025

Release – GeoVax Advanced MVA Manufacturing Process: Aimed to Enhance Vaccine Supply Worldwide

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

Last updated: 27 January 2025
Created: 27 January 2025
Hits: 60

Process Expected to Increase Production Yield, Flexibility at Lower Cost

Atlanta, GA – January 27, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in vaccines and immunotherapies, has shared updates about its development-stage advanced Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine manufacturing process. This anticipated process provides the potential to not only address today’s pressing health challenges but also paves the way for more efficient, flexible and lower-cost MVA-vaccine manufacturing.

The Power and Versatility of the MVA Platform

The MVA platform is uniquely designed to incorporate multiple antigens into a single vaccine. This versatility allows GeoVax to develop vaccines targeting multiple aspects of a single pathogen or several pathogens simultaneously. Originally developed as a safer smallpox vaccine, the MVA platform offers distinct advantages, including:

Protection against diseases such as Mpox and smallpox.
Multi-antigen vaccines like GEO-CM04S1, which targets both the Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) antigens of SARS-CoV-2.
Stability under minimal refrigeration and the potential for freeze-drying (lyophilization), simplifying distribution in resource-limited settings.

Advancing MVA Manufacturing

Current vaccine manufacturing methods rely on Chicken Embryo Fibroblast (CEF) cells, requiring pathogen-free eggs. This process is costly, time-consuming, and dependent on limited egg supplies, providing barriers to rapid, real-time MVA manufacturing, as well as hindering the flexibility necessary to establish local MVA manufacturing of critically important vaccines. GeoVax is addressing these barriers through an advanced MVA Manufacturing process utilizing an avian cell line licensed from ProBioGen AG (Berlin). Key features include:

A continuous avian suspension cell line process that eliminates the need for pathogen-free eggs.
Compatibility with standard manufacturing equipment, reducing setup time, simplifying the MVA manufacturing process, increasing scalability and lowering manufacturing costs.

This advanced MVA manufacturing process is expected to significantly simplify vaccine production, particularly in middle- and low-income regions where supply chain issues often hinder access to critical vaccines.

Addressing Global Health Needs

“Our advanced MVA manufacturing process represents not only a transformative manufacturing advance but also addresses a public health imperative,” said David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax. “By tackling disease protection, logistical hurdles, and manufacturing challenges, we aim to empower regions like Africa with the tools needed to combat current and future health crises.”

GeoVax’s MVA vaccines have demonstrated robust performance in clinical trials, with ongoing Phase 2 studies for GEO-CM04S1, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing broad and durable immune responses. Supported by its BARDA Project NextGen Award and partnerships with leading manufacturing and development organizations, GeoVax is positioned to enhance vaccine access and delivery on a global scale.

Recent Conference Presentations

GeoVax CEO David Dodd recently presented the company’s strategic initiatives and the potential of GEO-MVA at:

Biotech Showcase: January 14, 2025
Emerging Growth Conference: January 16, 2025

About GeoVax

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces Investigational New Drug Application in Effect After Review by FDA to Initiate Phase 1 Clinical Trial Evaluating First-in-Class OCU500 Inhaled Vaccine Candidate for COVID-19

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 27, 2025

PDF Version

OCU500 will be administered via inhalation and as a nasal spray
COVID-19 remains a substantial public health threat in the U.S. and around the world
Phase 1 clinical trial is anticipated to start in 2Q 2025

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 27, 2025 (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 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application and it is in effect. This is a critical step toward the initiation of the Phase 1 clinical trial for OCU500—an inhaled mucosal vaccine for COVID-19. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, will sponsor and conduct the Phase 1 trial to assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of OCU500 administered via two different routes, inhalation into the lungs and intranasally as a spray.

“We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with NIAID and pleased to bring our novel vaccine technology into the clinic through Project NextGen,” said Mike Shine, Senior Vice President, Commercial at Ocugen. “COVID-19 remains a real public health concern, and an increasing number of studies are showing the benefit of mucosal vaccines that attack the virus where it enters the body—through the nose and mouth—to give better and longer protection. We look forward to this important next step in potentially providing a more durable and safer option to help prevent infection and transmission of COVID-19 regarding various variants of concern.”

Even though the pandemic has ended, COVID-19 still presents a significant burden in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that from October 1, 2024 to January 11, 2025, there were 4.4 to 7.9 million COVID infections, resulting in 120,000 to 210,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 to 25,000 deaths.

The Phase 1 trial would enroll 80 adult subjects aged 18 to 64 years. Forty (40) subjects would be assigned to the low-dose group, and 40 subjects would be assigned to the high-dose group. Within each group, 20 subjects would receive the inhalation form of the vaccine, and the other 20 subjects would receive the intranasal form. The primary aim of the study would be to determine safety, while secondary and exploratory endpoints include antibody production and the number of breakthrough COVID-19 infections.

OCU500 is based on a novel chimpanzee adenovirus-vectored (ChAd36) technology. Earlier clinical studies to prevent COVID-19 that employed a similar technology administered via inhalation demonstrated increased mucosal and systemic antibodies and a durable immune response up to one year using one-fifth the dose compared to the same vaccine administered intramuscularly. Ocugen intends to expand this mucosal platform to address other serious respiratory threats including seasonal influenza, bird flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The original ChAd36 vector that makes the Ocugen vaccine unique was licensed from Washington University in St. Louis.

“We are delighted to see the progress of the ChAd36 vector encoding a SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen that was originally designed and tested at Washington University in St. Louis,” said Dr. Michael Diamond, Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the Center for Vaccines and Immunity to Microbial Pathogens at Washington University School of Medicine. “We believe this vector is ideal for mucosal administration and can be designed to carry COVID-19 strains as well as influenza and antigens from other respiratory viruses,” added Dr. David Curiel, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, co-collaborator on the vector design.

Project NextGen is a $5 billion multi-government agency initiative to develop the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics to combat the spread of COVID-19. NIAID, with funding from Project NextGen, will cover the full cost of the Phase 1 clinical trial, including operations and related analysis. Ocugen is providing clinical trial materials and, upon completion, will have full right of reference to the findings, which Ocugen believes will provide clinical evidence to support the further development of the Company’s lead mucosal vaccine candidate.

“Ocugen further advanced the vector technology, enabling the incorporation of single/multiple antigens into a single vector. This innovation offers significant manufacturing flexibility in responding to emerging variants within one hundred days of identifying a circulating variant of concern,” said Dr. Arun Upadhyay, Chief Scientific Officer at Ocugen. “This vector technology, combined with mucosal delivery, has the potential to enable rapid development of respiratory vaccines in response to future outbreaks including bird flu.”

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, 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; the ability of OCU500 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical or preclinical study 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 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

Beta Bionics Unveils $112.5 Million IPO Terms, Pioneers Autonomous Insulin Delivery Technology

Posted on January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– Beta Bionics’ iLet Bionic Pancreas is the first FDA-approved device to autonomously determine insulin doses using adaptive algorithms.
– The company plans to raise $112.5 million by offering 7.5 million shares at a price range of $14-$16, achieving a potential market cap of $577.35 million.
– Beta Bionics is part of a surge in biotech IPOs, reflecting investor confidence in transformative medical technologies.

Beta Bionics, the California-based innovator behind the iLet Bionic Pancreas, disclosed plans for a $112.5 million IPO, marking a pivotal moment in healthcare technology. The IPO terms, filed on January 22, 2025, outline the offering of 7.5 million shares priced between $14.00 and $16.00. At the midpoint of $15.00 per share, the company would achieve a market cap of approximately $577.35 million. Trading is set to commence on January 30, 2025, under the proposed ticker symbol “BBNX” on the NASDAQ.

The iLet Bionic Pancreas represents a groundbreaking advancement in diabetes management, being the first FDA-approved insulin delivery device to use adaptive closed-loop algorithms. This innovation enables the device to autonomously determine every insulin dose without requiring users to count carbohydrates, offering a significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

T1D affects approximately 1.8 million people in the U.S., all of whom rely on daily insulin replacement. The iLet system, cleared by the FDA for patients aged six and older in May 2023, targets this market with a vision to transform diabetes care. Despite its groundbreaking potential, Beta Bionics is currently unprofitable, reporting a net loss of $55.4 million on $53.1 million in revenue for the 12 months ending September 30, 2024.

The IPO, led by BofA Securities, Piper Sandler, Leerink, and Stifel, will provide the funding necessary for Beta Bionics to expand commercialization efforts and further develop its innovative technology. This initiative positions the company at the forefront of the intersection between healthcare and technology, emphasizing the growing demand for automated and personalized solutions in chronic disease management.

Beta Bionics’ IPO is part of a broader trend highlighting the growing prominence of biotech companies in public markets. With the rapid advancements in medical technology and increasing regulatory approvals, the biotech sector has emerged as a key driver of innovation. Biotech IPOs have gained momentum, reflecting strong investor interest in companies addressing critical healthcare needs with cutting-edge solutions.

In particular, biotech firms are increasingly leveraging public funding to accelerate the development and distribution of transformative therapies and devices. The promise of addressing unmet medical needs, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, has fueled optimism in the sector. Companies like Beta Bionics exemplify how public markets can empower medical innovation to scale, potentially improving millions of lives.

Investors are drawn to biotech IPOs not only for their market potential but also for their societal impact, as these companies strive to tackle some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Beta Bionics’ iLet device is a prime example of this trend, offering a glimpse into the future of automated, patient-centric care.

Take a moment to take a look at more emerging growth healthcare companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Robert LeBoyer’s coverage list.

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – Gedeptin To Begin Phase 2 Clinical Trial

Posted on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

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.

GeoVax Starts The Year By Announcing Phase 2 Trial For Gedeptin. GeoVax has announced that a Phase 2 trial for Gedeptin, its gene therapy for delivering cytotoxic cancer drugs, is planned to start in 1H25. As we expected, the trial will test Gedeptin with a checkpoint inhibitor in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Gedeptin Delivers A Gene To Activate The Cancer Drug In The Tumor. Gedeptin is based on the Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (GDEPT) technology platform. It uses an adenovirus vector to deliver the E. coli PNP gene to cancer cells. Once inside the cells, the gene produces an enzyme that converts an inactive prodrug (fludarabine) into an active cytotoxic drug. This increases the drug’s potency inside the cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissue. Gedeptin has completed Phase 1/2 trials in advanced head and neck cancer and has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for oral and pharyngeal cancers.

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Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of OCU200—a Novel Integrin-Targeting Biologic for Diabetic Macular Edema

Posted on January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 16, 2025

PDF Version

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 16, 2025 (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 that the first patient has been dosed in the OCU200 Phase 1 clinical trial for diabetic macular edema (DME).

“OCU200 has the potential to change the treatment landscape for DME, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) with its unique mechanism of action, binding the active component—tumstatin—to integrin receptors that play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “OCU200 holds the promise to benefit all DME patients, including the 30-40% of patients who do not respond to current anti-VEGF therapies.”

The OCU200 Phase 1 clinical trial is a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation study to assess drug safety via intravitreal injection in three cohorts: low dose (0.025 mg), medium dose (0.05 mg), and high dose (0.1 mg). All subjects will receive a total of two intravitreal injections of OCU200 six weeks apart. Patient follow-up will take place up to three months after the last injection.

Approximately 12 million people in the United States and 130 million people worldwide are affected by DME, DR or wet AMD. Patients affected by these diseases share common symptoms, such as blurriness in vision and progressive vision loss as the disease progresses. The formation of fragile and leaky new blood vessels leads to fluid accumulation in and around the retina, causing damage to vision.

“I am seeing an increasing rate of vision-threatening diseases associated with diabetes at my clinic and am eager to provide a new therapeutic option to these patients,” said Dr. David Almedia, Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Clinician Scientist, President and CEO of Erie Retina Research, and Founder and President of Case X Global in Erie, Pennsylvania. “There remains a considerable unmet medical need for DME and DR patients with currently available anti-VEGF treatments.”

OCU200 is a recombinant fusion protein that consists of two parts connected by a linker: tumstatin, the active component, acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-VEGF agent by binding to integrin receptors; and transferrin, which targets the drug to the choroid and retina by binding transferrin receptors on endothelial cells. These features will potentially enable OCU200 to reduce the vascular permeability, inflammation, and neovascularization that drive the pathophysiology of DME, DR, and wet AMD at a significantly lower dose compared to currently approved therapies.

“We are enthusiastic about getting patients started in the OCU200 Phase 1 clinical trial and sharing not only safety but preliminary efficacy data as the study progresses,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “OCU200 brings an innovative biologic candidate to Ocugen’s ophthalmology portfolio targeting blindness diseases.”

The Company intends to pursue approval to use OCU200 as a first-line therapy for DME, DR, and wet AMD.

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 patients’ 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, 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; the ability of OCU200 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical or preclinical study 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 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

Release – GeoVax Announces Major Gedeptin® Milestone with Plans of Phase 2 Trial

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

Represents a Key Step Toward Validating Gedeptin Potential in Solid Tumor Therapy

Atlanta, GA, January 15, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative immunotherapies and vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases, announced significant progress in advancing Gedeptin as a cancer therapy. Gedeptin, based on a Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (GDEPT) platform, employs a targeted approach to deliver therapeutic agents directly to tumor sites. The result of this approach is the localized production of a potent anti-cancer agent(s) within the tumor microenvironment, while minimizing systemic exposure and the potential for associated side effects.

Following a review of the data from the completed Phase 1 single-cycle and Phase 1/2 multi-cycle Gedeptin trials among patients with advanced Head & Neck (H&N) tumors, GeoVax has decided to initiate a Phase 2 clinical study, evaluating neoadjuvant Gedeptin therapy in combination with an approved immune check point inhibitor (ICI) in 1^st recurrent H&N cancer scheduled for resection with curative intent.

Therapy Potential and Market Opportunity

Gedeptin has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. FDA for the intratumoral treatment of anatomically accessible oral and pharyngeal cancers, underscoring its potential to address significant unmet medical needs.

“Preclinical data suggest that Gedeptin/fludarabine can enhance the activity of ICIs in treatment of solid tumors. Our upcoming Phase 2 trial will investigate this approach as a neoadjuvant therapy for patients with first recurrence head and neck cancer. We believe this will lead to increased tumor response and decreased recurrence rates in these patients,” said David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax. “Based on the data generated to date, this combination has the potential to address multiple solid tumor indications, and represents a significant medical and commercial opportunity, if approved.”

David Dodd added, “We are entering an exciting phase of clinical development with Gedeptin, and our team remains committed to advancing this innovative therapy to deliver life-changing benefits for cancer patients worldwide.”

Advancing Clinical Development

The upcoming Phase 2 trial will evaluate the efficacy of Gedeptin in combination with ICIs in patients with first-recurrence head and neck cancer. Key endpoints will include pathologic response rates and overall treatment outcomes. GeoVax plans to initiate trial activities mid-year and partner with leading academic oncology centers.

A Transformative Year Ahead

GeoVax projects significant milestones in 2025, with Gedeptin expected to play a key role in delivering transformative cancer therapies. Beyond head and neck cancers, the company plans to explore Gedeptin’s potential applications across other solid tumor types.

GeoVax’s CEO, David Dodd, will present the Company’s 2024 progress and outlook for 2025 at the Emerging Growth Conference: January 16, 2025, at 2:35 PM ET.

For more information on GeoVax’s portfolio and developments, please visit www.geovax.com.

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

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

Release – GeoVax Achieves Significant Progress in Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine Development Throughout 2024

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

Advancements Position GEO-CM04S1 as a Leading Vaccine Candidate Addressing Unmet Medical Needs, Especially Among Immunocompromised Patients

ATLANTA, GA, January 13, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company specializing in immunotherapies and vaccines against infectious diseases and cancers, is pleased to announce substantial progress in the clinical development of its COVID-19 vaccine portfolio during 2024. These achievements underscore the potential of GEO-CM04S1 to address critical public health needs, particularly among immunocompromised populations.

Project NextGen (PNG) Award

In June 2024, GeoVax received a significant award through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV), funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) as part of PNG. This award supports a 10,000-participant Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GEO-CM04S1 compared to an approved COVID-19 vaccine. The study is set to commence in the second half of 2025, with Allucent, a global clinical research organization, selected to conduct and manage the trial.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Interim Study Results

In November 2024, the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of GEO-CM04S1 as a booster vaccine for patients with CLL conducted an interim data review of the study. Following its review, the DSMB recommended that the study should continue enrollment of the experimental arm utilizing GEO-CM04S1, but that the mRNA control arm of the study should be halted as it failed to meet the predetermined primary immune endpoint. This suggests a potentially superior immune response in this vulnerable population. Further enrollment of the remaining patient participants is expected to be completed during 2025.

Completion of Enrollment in Booster Vaccine Study for Healthy Adult Volunteers

GeoVax has successfully completed enrollment in its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating GEO-CM04S1 as a booster vaccine in healthy adults who previously received COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to assess the vaccine’s safety and immunogenicity at two different dose levels, with data readouts anticipated in the first half of 2025.

Ongoing Stem Cell Transplant Study

The Company continues to advance its Phase 2 clinical trial of GEO-CM04S1 as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. This study addresses a critical need for effective vaccination strategies in populations that may not respond adequately to existing vaccines.

Potential Benefits of GEO-CM04S1 Over Existing Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines

GEO-CM04S1 offers several potential benefits compared to currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines:

Public Health Impact: By providing robust protection for immunocompromised individuals, GEO-CM04S1 could significantly reduce COVID-19-related risks of morbidity and mortality among such high-risk patient populations.
Durability: Preliminary data suggest that GEO-CM04S1 may offer longer-lasting immunity, potentially reducing the frequency of booster doses required.
Breadth of Protection: The inclusion of both Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) antigens in GEO-CM04S1 may confer broader immunity, making it more effective against a range of variants without the need for frequent reformulation.
Primary Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients: With approximately 40 million immunocompromised individuals in the U.S. and an estimated 400+ million worldwide, many of whom may not respond adequately to current vaccines, GEO-CM04S1 has the potential to become the preferred vaccine for this population.
Safety. The safety profile of MVA as the platform for GEO-CM04S1 is well-established, with decades of data supporting its use as a smallpox vaccine, as well as its use as a platform with diverse vaccine candidates. This robust safety record is particularly important as the new HHS administration prioritizes transparency and rigorous oversight in vaccine safety evaluation. GEO-CM04S1 aligns with these priorities, offering a scientifically validated platform backed by comprehensive safety data.

Market Potential and Partnering Opportunities

GEO-CM04S1 offers an alternative approach to boosting existing COVID-19 vaccines, providing enhanced and more durable immunity. Its applicability for immunocompromised patients further broadens its public health and commercial value. GeoVax estimates the annual market potential for GEO-CM04S1 to be approximately $30 billion, reflecting the critical medical need to better address high-risk immunocompromised patients. The global need for a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine with the advantages offered by GEO-CM04S1 creates multiple partnering opportunities for GeoVax.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The continued development of GEO-CM04S1 is a key component of GeoVax’s catalyst-rich agenda for 2025. The Company anticipates multiple data readouts and regulatory milestones that will further define the vaccine’s role in combating COVID-19.

“Our progress in 2024 has been remarkable, particularly in advancing GEO-CM04S1 as a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine,” said David Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax. “The MVA platform underlying our vaccine offers unique advantages, including the potential for broader and more durable protection, which is especially critical for immunocompromised individuals. We are committed to delivering solutions that address unmet medical needs and improve public health outcomes.”

Upcoming Presentations

GeoVax’s CEO, David Dodd, will present the Company’s 2024 progress and future outlook at the following conferences:

Biotech Showcase: January 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM PST
Emerging Growth Conference: January 16, 2025, at 2:35 PM ET

For more information on GeoVax’s portfolio and developments, please visit www.geovax.com

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

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