Release – PDS Biotech Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio Governing A Combination of Versamune® and PDS0301

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

  • Composition of matter and use patent for Versamune® in combination with PDS0301 allowed in Canada
  • PDS Biotech’s proprietary combination of Versamune® based PDS0101 and PDS0301 with an immune checkpoint inhibitor resulted in 21 months median overall survival in advanced HPV-positive cancer patients who had failed all prior treatments including immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., July 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and infectious disease, today announced the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has allowed patent number 2,876,656 titled, “Cationic Lipid Vaccine Combinations and Methods of Use,” governing composition of matter and uses for Versamune® (R-DOTAP) in combination with PDS0301. The intellectual property provides broad protection for treatments utilizing Versamune® based therapies, including PDS0101, in combination with PDS0301 as a potential treatment for cancer. This patent expands PDS Biotech’s market coverage and adds to the world-wide patent portfolio including the patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Patent No. 11,401,306, covering the combination of Versamune® and cytokines including Interleukin 12 (IL-12).

The Canadian patent will protect the capability of the composition of Versamune® and PDS0301 to reduce the population of a well-documented population of cells called myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) that enable the cancer to escape attack by T cells. The composition, when administered with a tumor antigen, enhances the Versamune® induced anti-tumor response. Suppression of anti-tumor immune responses is a major mechanism by which tumor cells escape attack by T cells. MDSCs are reported to be the key immunosuppressive cells present in the tumor that protect the cancer’s ability to grow and are a major obstacle to effective cancer immunotherapy.

“This newly allowed patent adds to the intellectual property governing Versamune® based therapies in combination with PDS0301, which we believe represent a potentially transformative treatment approach for advanced cancer patients,” said Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, CEO of PDS Biotech. “Possessing multilayered IP for our immunotherapies is an important value driver for PDS Biotech and is a key component of our business strategy. We anticipate that Canada will constitute an important market as we begin our commercialization and partnership strategies.”

In December 2022, PDS Biotech provided an update on the National Cancer Institute led study of a combination of PDS0101, PDS0301 and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in patients with various types of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16-positive cancers who had failed all prior treatments including ICI therapy. These patients have a historical median overall survival (OS) of 3-4 months on ICI therapy. This combination achieved a median overall survival of 21 months reported in 29 patients. In the patients who had not received prior ICI therapy, median OS had not yet been reached at 27 months, and an objective response rate of 88% (7/8) and complete response in 38% (3/8) of patients was reported. In similar ICI naïve patients on a combination of ICI therapy and chemotherapy, the published median OS is approximately 13 months and objective response is approximately 35%. Similar results with the combination of PDS0101, PDS0301 and an ICI were seen in all types of HPV-positive advanced cancers including anal, cervical, head and neck, vaginal and vulvar.

PDS Biotech’s exclusive rights to the combination of PDS0101 and PDS0301 permits it to design compositions and methods that overcome tumor immune suppression utilizing a different mechanism from checkpoint inhibitors.

About Versamune®
Versamune® is a novel investigational T cell activating platform which effectively stimulates a precise immune system response to a cancer-specific protein. Versamune® based investigational immunotherapies promote a potent targeted T cell attack against cancers expressing the protein. They are given by subcutaneous injection and can be combined with standard of care treatments. Clinical data suggest that Versamune® based investigational immunotherapies, such as PDS0101, demonstrate meaningful disease control by reducing and shrinking tumors, delaying disease progression and/or prolonging survival. Versamune® based immunotherapies have demonstrated minimal toxicity to date that may allow them to be safely combined with other treatments. We believe Versamune® based investigational immunotherapies represent a transformative treatment approach for cancer patients to provide improved efficacy, safety and tolerability.

About PDS0101
PDS0101, PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, is a novel investigational human papillomavirus (HPV)-targeted immunotherapy that stimulates a potent targeted T cell attack against HPV-positive cancers. PDS0101 is given by subcutaneous injection alone or in combination with other immunotherapies and cancer treatments. In a Phase 1 study of PDS0101 in monotherapy, the treatment demonstrated the ability to generate multifunctional HPV16 targeted CD8 and CD4 T cells with minimal toxicity. Interim data suggests PDS0101 generates clinically effective immune responses and the combination of PDS0101 with other treatments can demonstrate significant disease control by reducing or shrinking tumors, delaying disease progression, and/or prolonging survival. The combination of PDS0101 with other treatments does not appear to compound the toxicity of other agents.

About PDS0301
PDS0301 is a novel investigational tumor-targeting antibody-conjugated Interleukin 12 (IL-12) that enhances the proliferation, potency and longevity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. PDS0301 is given by a subcutaneous injection. PDS0301 is designed to improve the safety profile of IL-12 and to enhance the anti-tumor response.

About PDS Biotechnology
PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune®, Versamune® plus PDS0301, and Infectimune T cell-activating platforms. We believe our targeted immunotherapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy approaches through the activation of the right type, quantity and potency of T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the ability to reduce and shrink tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV16- associated cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and will be advancing into a Phase 3 clinical trial in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancer in 2023. Our Infectimune™ based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.

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 PDS0101, PDS0203 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 PDS0101, PDS0203 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; 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 and Infectimune™ is a trademark of PDS Biotechnology.
KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.,
Rahway, N.J., USA.

Investor Contacts:
Deanne Randolph
PDS Biotech
Phone: +1 (908) 517-3613
Email: drandolph@pdsbiotech.com

Rich Cockrell
CG Capital
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838
Email: pdsb@cg.capital

Media Contacts:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Dave Schemelia
Phone: +1 (609) 468-9325
dschemelia@tiberend.com

Eric Reiss
Phone: +1 (802) 249-1136
ereiss@tiberend.com

GeoVax Labs, Inc. (GOVX) – First Gedeptin Data From Phase 1/2 Presented


Tuesday, July 11, 2023

GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, develops human vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer in the United States and internationally. The company through its patented Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Virus Like Particle vaccine platform develops various vaccines. It is developing various vaccines that are in human clinical trials, and preclinical research and development phases, including vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); Zika virus; malaria; and hemorrhagic fever viruses, such as Ebola, Sudan, Marburg, and Lassa, as well as therapeutic vaccines for chronic Hepatitis B infections and cancers. The company has collaboration and partnership agreements with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health; the HIV Vaccines Trial Network; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; United States Army Research Institute of Infectious Disease; U.S. Naval Research Laboratory; Emory University; University of Pittsburgh; Georgia State University Research Foundation; Peking University; University of Texas Medical Branch; the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland; the Scripps Research Institute; the Burnet Institute; American Gene Technologies, Inc.; Viamune, Inc.; Vaxeal Holding SA; CaroGen Corporation; Virometix AG; and Leidos, Inc. GeoVax Labs, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is based in Smyrna, Georgia.

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 Presents Preliminary Phase 1/2 HNSCC data GeoVax presented first data from its Gedeptin Phase 1/2 trial at the AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) and AHNS (American Head and Neck Society) joint cancer conference. The results show that the Gedeptin regimen was able to achieve Stable Disease according to RECIST 1.1 criteria in 5 out of 7 evaluable patients.  

Study Design and First Data. Gedeptin delivers the PNP gene from E. coli to convert a prodrug, fludarabine, into an active cytotoxic drug, fluoroadenine, inside the tumor cells. The trial enrolled patients with refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to receive up to 5 cycles of the combination, consisting of 3 intratumoral injections of Gedeptin over two days followed by daily infusions of fludarabine for three days. The presentation reported on the first 8 patients out of a planned enrollment of 10 patients. 


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Release – GeoVax Presents Gedeptin® Clinical Data at the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

 

Atlanta, GA, July 10, 2023 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, announced today the presentation of Phase 1/2 clinical trial data for GeoVax’s gene therapy candidate, Gedeptin® at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) joint Head and Neck Cancer Conference in Montréal, QC, Canada. The presentation, titled “Phase 1/ 2 study of Ad/PNP with fludarabine for the treatment of head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)”, describes the evaluation of Gedeptin as an experimental therapy for refractory solid tumors.

Gedeptin is a novel patented product/technology for the treatment of solid tumors through a gene therapy strategy known as Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (GDEPT). In GDEPT, a vector is used to selectively transduce tumor cells with a nonhuman gene, which expresses an enzyme that can convert a nontoxic prodrug into a highly toxic antitumor compound in situ.

The ongoing Phase 1/2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03754933) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of repeat cycles of Gedeptin therapy in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with tumor(s) accessible for injection and no curable treatment options. The protocol entails up to five treatment cycles, each consisting of three intra-tumoral injections of Gedeptin over two days followed by infusion of a prodrug, fludarabine phosphate, once daily for three days. A completed Phase 1 dose-ranging study demonstrated that treating a tumor with a single cycle of Gedeptin, followed by fludarabine infusions, was well tolerated, with evidence of a reduction in tumor size in patients with solid tumors.

The poster presentation (viewed here), highlighted the following data:

  • 8 patients have been enrolled in the study to date.
  • No dose limiting toxicities or serious adverse events (SAEs) are definitively attributable to treatment. Additionally, no adverse events above grade 3 severity have been reported.
  • Up to 5 cycles of Gedeptin treatment have been administered without limiting sequelae. Intratumoral expression of the PNP transgene by RT-PCR has been established in treated tumors studied to date.
  • Impairment of tumor growth (i.e., “stable disease” using RECIST 1.1 evaluation criteria) in targeted lesions was seen in 5 of 7 patients; tumor response assessment in one patient remains under study.

Kelly T. McKee, M.D., GeoVax’s Chief Medical Officer and presenting author, commented, “This clinical trial is ongoing, but from our interim analysis, we can conclude that administration of Gedeptin is safe and feasible. The strategy is also being considered for earlier-stage HNSCC with less tumor burden, including a role similar to neoadjuvant or cytoreductive radiotherapy in combination with checkpoint blockade inhibition. A multi-center trial is planned to define the maximum tolerable dose and feasibility in smaller tumors.”

The current study is being funded in part by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pursuant to its Orphan Products Clinical Trials Grants Program. The FDA has also granted Gedeptin orphan drug status for the intra-tumoral treatment of anatomically accessible oral and pharyngeal cancers, including cancers of the lip, tongue, gum, floor of the mouth, salivary gland, and other oral cavities. GeoVax anticipates completion of the current trial by year-end 2023, after which expanded development of Gedeptin is anticipated, both as monotherapy and combination therapy in conjunction with other therapies to potentially include immune checkpoint inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.)

About GeoVax

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 two Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a COVID-19 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. 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. For more information, 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. 

Investor Relations Contact:

Rich Cockrell

CG Capital

404-736-3838

govx@cg.capital

Media Contact:

Susan Roberts

sr@roberts-communications.com

202-779-0929

Release – GeoVax Announces Gedeptin® Presentation at the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

 

Atlanta, GA, June 28, 2023 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, today announced that an abstract regarding GeoVax’s gene therapy candidate, Gedeptin®, has been selected for poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) joint Head and Neck Cancer Conference, being held from July 7-8, 2023 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montréal, QC, Canada.

Presentation Details:

 Abstract Title:Phase 1/ 2 study of Ad/PNP with fludarabine for the treatment of head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
 Abstract Authors:                   A. Dimitrios Colevas1, Eric J. Sorscher2, William Parker3, Roan Courtney Raymundo1, Jeong S. Hong2, Regina Rab2, Camilo Henao4, Nikki Schmitt2, Madison Stallings2, Kelly T. McKee, Jr.5, Eben Rosenthal6, Joseph Curry4
 1Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University 2Emory University School of Medicine 3PNP Therapeutics, Inc. 4Thomas Jefferson University 5GeoVax Labs, Inc. 6Vanderbilt University
 Date and Time:    Friday, July 7, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. ET
 Presenting Author:  Kelly T. McKee, Jr., M.D., MPH, Chief Medical Officer, GeoVax

About Gedeptin®

Gedeptin is a novel patented product/technology for the treatment of solid tumors through a gene therapy strategy known as Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (GDEPT). In GDEPT, a vector is used to selectively transduce tumor cells with a nonhuman gene, which expresses an enzyme that can convert a nontoxic prodrug into a very toxic antitumor compound in situ.

The ongoing Phase 1/2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03754933) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of repeat cycles of Gedeptin therapy in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with tumor(s) accessible for injection and no curable treatment options. The protocol entails up to five treatment cycles, each consisting of three intra-tumoral injections of Gedeptin over two days followed by infusion of a prodrug, fludarabine phosphate, once a day for three days. A completed Phase 1 dose-ranging study demonstrated that treating a tumor with a single cycle of Gedeptin, followed by fludarabine infusions, was well tolerated, with evidence of a reduction in tumor size in patients with solid tumors.

The current study is being funded in part by the FDA pursuant to its Orphan Products Clinical Trials Grants Program. The FDA has also granted Gedeptin orphan drug status for the intra-tumoral treatment of anatomically accessible oral and pharyngeal cancers, including cancers of the lip, tongue, gum, floor of mouth, salivary gland, and other oral cavities. GeoVax anticipates completion of the current trial by year-end 2023, after which expanded development of Gedeptin is anticipated, both as mono-therapy and as potential combination therapy in conjunction with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

About GeoVax

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 two Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a COVID-19 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. 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. For more information, 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. 

Investor Relations Contact:

Rich Cockrell

CG Capital

404-736-3838

govx@cg.capital

Media Contact:

Susan Roberts

sr@roberts-communications.com

202-779-0929

Release – GeoVax Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Design & Development Approach Published in Vaccine Insights

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

 

Spotlight Content on Pandemic Preparedness:

Getting Ready for the Next “Disease X”

ATLANTA, GA, June 27, 2023 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing human vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious diseases and cancer, announced today the publication of an article titled, “MVA-Vectored Universal Beta-Coronavirus Vaccine Design & Development” in the June 2023 issue of the online journal Vaccine Insights. The article is co-authored by GeoVax’s Chief Scientific Officer, Mark Newman, PhD, together with other GeoVax scientists, Mary Hauser, PhD, Arban Domi, PhD, Sreenivasa Oruganti, PhD, Pratima Kumari, PhD and Ashley Zuniga, PhD and can be accessed here: Vaccine Insights.

The article provides expert insight into the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), the risk of new “spillover events” from animal hosts, and how this risk can be addressed proactively. With regard to COVID-19 and its continually evolving variants, the authors describe the limitations of first-generation vaccines and the potential for MVA-vectored vaccines such as GEO-CM04S1 to overcome these limitations.

About GEO-CM04S1

GEO-CM04S1 is a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine based on GeoVax’s MVA viral vector platform, which supports the presentation of multiple vaccine antigens to the immune system in a single dose. CM04S1 presents both the spike and nucleocapsid antigens of SARS-CoV-2 and is specifically designed to induce both antibody and T cell responses to non-variable parts of the virus. The more broadly specific and functional engagement of the immune system is designed to protect against the new and continually emerging variants of COVID-19. Based on data from animal models and a completed Phase 1 clinical study, vaccine-induced immune responses were shown to recognize both early and later variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the Omicron variant. Vaccines of this format should not require repeated modification and updating.

A recent presentation of unpublished data from the open-label portion of the Phase 2 trial of CM04S1 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04977024) in patients undergoing hematological cancer treatment (i.e., patients who have reduced immune system function as a result of treatment) indicates that CM04S1 is highly immunogenic in these patients, inducing both antibody responses, including neutralizing antibodies, and T cell responses. These data support the planned progression of the Phase 2 clinical study, which will include a direct comparison to currently approved mRNA vaccines.

CM04S1 continues to advance in a second Phase 2 clinical trial as a booster for healthy patients who have previously received the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04639466). Data from these studies will form the basis for comparing vaccine potential in unique patient groups as well as the general population.

About GeoVax

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 two Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a COVID-19 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. 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. For more information, 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. 

Investor Relations Contact:

Rich Cockrell

CG Capital

404-736-3838

govx@cg.capital

Media Contact:

Susan Roberts

sr@roberts-communications.com

202-779-0929

Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP) – Migraine Drug Acquisitions Will Transform Tonix


Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics and diagnostics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of immunology, rare disease, infectious disease, and central nervous system (CNS) product candidates. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-15001 which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the second half of 2022. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-29002 for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan-Drug Designation by the FDA. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox called TNX-8013, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and an antiviral to treat COVID-19. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are TNX-1840 and TNX-18504, which are live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform. TNX-35005 (sangivamycin, i.v. solution) is a small molecule antiviral drug to treat acute COVID-19 and is in the pre-IND stage of development. TNX-102 SL6, (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), is a small molecule drug being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix expects to initiate a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the second quarter of 2022. The Company’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL, is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022. Finally, TNX-13007 is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that is expected to start a Phase 2 trial in the second quarter of 2022. TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA.

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 Products To Be Acquired. Tonix announced that it will acquire two currently marketed migraine drugs from Upsher-Smith Laboratories. The two drugs, Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymyra, are proprietary formulations of sumatriptan, the most commonly prescribed drug for migraine headaches. The deal is expected to close on June 30, 2023. We believe these two products fit well into the company’s CNS strategy and the expected data announcement from the Phase 3 RESILIENT trial in fibromyalgia expected in 4Q23.

Two Sumatriptan Formulations For Migraine Headaches. Both drugs contain sumatriptan as the active compound with proprietary technologies for improved delivery. Zembrace SymTouch is an injectable packaged with an autoinjector. Tosymyra is a nasal spray with a permeation enhancer that provides rapid and efficient absorption of sumatriptan. Both drugs have clinical data showing onset of migraine pain relief as fast as 10 minutes from administration with response rates comparable or better than other sumatriptan formulations.


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Release – PDS Biotech to be Added to Russell 2000® and Russell 3000® Indexes Effective June 26, 2023

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., June 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corp. (NASDAQ: PDSB), a clinical-stage company developing a growing pipeline of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and infectious disease, announced today its expected addition to the broad-market Russell 2000® and the Russell 3000® Indexes in accordance with the 2023 Russell indexes annual reconstitution. PDS Biotech’s anticipated inclusion in the Russell indexes will be effective after the U.S. market opens on Monday, June 26, 2023.

“The expected addition of PDS Biotech to the Russell indexes is the latest milestone during a year in which we have made considerable progress with our lead candidate, PDS0101, including the presentation of promising interim data from the VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 clinical trial at ASCO 2023, and expanded our product portfolio and clinical pipeline with the acquisition of PDS0301,” stated Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, President and CEO of PDS Biotech. “The Russell indexes are widely used investment benchmarks for index funds and active portfolio strategies. Our inclusion is an important validation and should help our efforts to propel long-term shareholder value, expand awareness of PDS Biotech within the investment community, increase the liquidity of our stock, and broaden our shareholder base.”

The annual reconstitution of the Russell indexes is conducted by FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider, and captures the 4,000 largest U.S. equities as of April 28, 2023, objectively ranking them by total market capitalization and style attributes. Membership in the U.S. all-cap Russell 3000 Index remains in place for one year and means automatic inclusion in the appropriate growth and value style indexes. Inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index also means automatic inclusion in either the large-cap Russell 1000® Index or the small-cap Russell 2000 Index. Approximately $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against Russell’s U.S. indexes.

About FTSE Russell
FTSE Russell is a global index leader that provides innovative benchmarking, analytics, and data solutions for investors worldwide. FTSE Russell calculates thousands of indexes that measure and benchmark markets and asset classes in more than 70 countries, covering 98% of the investable market globally.

FTSE Russell index expertise and products are used extensively by institutional and retail investors globally. Approximately $20.1 trillion is currently benchmarked to FTSE Russell indexes. For over 30 years, leading asset owners, asset managers, ETF providers, and investment banks have chosen FTSE Russell indexes to benchmark their investment performance and create ETFs, structured products, and index-based derivatives. FTSE Russell is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. For more information, visit www.ftserussell.com.

About PDS Biotechnology
PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune®, Versamune® plus PDS0301, and Infectimune™ T cell-activating platforms. We believe our targeted immunotherapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy approaches through the activation of the right type, quantity and potency of T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the ability to reduce and shrink tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV16-associated cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and will be advancing into a Phase 3 clinical trial in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancer in 2023. Our Infectimune™ based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.

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 PDS0101, PDS0203 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 PDS0101, PDS0203 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; 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.

Investor Contacts:
Deanne Randolph
PDS Biotech
Phone: +1 (908) 517-3613  
Email: drandolph@pdsbiotech.com    

Rich Cockrell  
CG Capital  
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838  
Email: pdsb@cg.capital  

Media Contacts:  
Dave Schemelia  
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc. 
Phone: +1 (609) 468-9325  
Email: dschemelia@tiberend.com  

Bill Borden  
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.  
Phone: +1 (732) 910-1620  
Email: bborden@tiberend.com

Release – PDS Biotechnology Announces Achievement of Efficacy Threshold in Stage 2 of the VERSATILE-002 Trial Evaluating PDS0101 and KEYTRUDA® in Head and Neck Cancer

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

  • 14 patients in the immune checkpoint inhibitor naïve arm of VERSATILE-002 have experienced either a complete response or partial response on two consecutive scans, thus constituting a confirmed objective response
  • Efficacy and safety continue to be monitored as additional patients have yet to undergo imaging evaluation

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and infectious disease, announced today the Company achieved the threshold for efficacy as per investigator assessment in Stage 2 of the VERSATILE-002 (NCT04260126) Phase 2 clinical trial investigating PDS0101 in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), for the treatment of unresectable, recurrent or metastatic human papillomavirus (HPV)16-positive head and neck cancer. The achievement of full recruitment of 54 patients in the ICI naïve arm was announced in May 2023. The threshold for efficacy, as defined in the clinical protocol, was achieved when 14 out of the 54 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) naïve patients enrolled achieved a confirmed objective response. Additional patients in the trial have yet to undergo imaging evaluation. 

Per RECIST 1.1, the standard to classify oncologic imaging outcomes in clinical trials, patients are considered to have achieved an objective response when imaging studies document tumor shrinkage of 30% or more. In VERSATILE-002, the primary endpoint requires two consecutive scans 9 to 12 weeks apart, rather than one, to be considered a confirmed objective response. Confirmation with two consecutive scans is not required to achieve an objective response in every clinical trial per RECIST 1.1.

At the recent 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, we presented data showing 9 confirmed responses among 34 evaluable patients.  Median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10.4 months was also presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting along with a 12-month overall survival (OS) rate of 87.1% for patients with a CPS≥1. Additional patients have been assessed since data was presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting. With these additional data, a total of 14 patients have now achieved a confirmed response to date.   The achievement of this endpoint suggests an additive effect of PDS0101 over published results with ICI monotherapy and is based on statistical calculations using the appropriate power and alpha.

The primary endpoint in the VERSATILE-002 study is the best overall response (BOR) of confirmed complete response (CR) or confirmed partial response (PR) per RECIST 1.1. The key secondary endpoints are progression-free survival (PFS), OS at 12 and 24 months, safety, and tolerability. The study utilizes a Simon’s 2-stage optimum design.

“We are highly encouraged by the growing set of PDS0101 efficacy and safety data being generated in multiple independent trials by leading experts in the field,” stated Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. “The consistency in PDS0101 induced HPV16-specific immune responses, the response rates and survival benefit observed in multiple types of HPV cancer and at different stages of disease, aligns with both the preclinical and Phase 1 monotherapy results. Multiple studies have demonstrated the induction of high levels of active and potent, HPV16-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, as well as long-lasting memory CD8 T cells by PDS0101.” 

“Achieving the efficacy threshold in VERSATILE-002 is an important milestone for the Company, especially as it has been achieved ahead of the full efficacy evaluation for this cohort,” stated Dr. Lauren V. Wood, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotech. “With our Phase 2 trial near completion, and our planned global Phase 3 confirmatory randomized, controlled trial, VERSATILE-003, actively advancing, we believe we are closer to our goal of providing a well-tolerated, safe and effective therapy for those who suffer from head and neck cancer, a critical unmet medical need.”

PDS Biotech plans to initiate the VERSATILE-003 as a result of the successful completion of an End-of-Phase 2 meeting in the third quarter of 2022 with the FDA, during which PDS Biotech received guidance on key elements of the Phase 3 program that will support the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA). The planned primary endpoints for VERSATILE-003 are OS and PFS. In preparation for the VERSATILE-003 trial, PDS Biotech plans to submit an amended Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA in the third quarter of 2023.

About PDS0101
PDS0101, PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, is a novel investigational human papillomavirus (HPV)-targeted immunotherapy that stimulates a potent targeted T cell attack against HPV-positive cancers. PDS0101 is given by subcutaneous injection alone or in combination with other immunotherapies and cancer treatments. In a Phase 1 study of PDS0101 in monotherapy, the treatment demonstrated the ability to generate multifunctional HPV16-targeted CD8 and CD4 T cells with minimal toxicity. Interim data suggests PDS0101 generates clinically effective immune responses and the combination of PDS0101 with other treatments can demonstrate significant disease control by reducing or shrinking tumors, delaying disease progression, and/or prolonging survival. The combination of PDS0101 with other treatments does not appear to compound the toxicity of other agents.

About VERSATILE-002 

VERSATILE-002 is a single-arm Phase 2 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of PDS0101, an HPV16-targeted investigational T cell-activating immunotherapy that leverages PDS Biotech’s proprietary Versamune® technology, in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab). The combination is being evaluated in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-naïve and ICI-refractory patients with recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and was granted Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2022.   

Interim efficacy and safety data were presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting for ICI-naïve patients (PR link). Preliminary data from the first 34 patients demonstrated a 12-month overall survival rate of 87% and median progression free survival of 10.4 months. No Grade 4 or higher treatment related adverse events were observed.

KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.,
Rahway, NJ, USA.

 About VERSATILE-003 

VERSATILE-003 is a randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of PDS0101 in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) versus KEYTRUDA® monotherapy. The combination is being evaluated in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-naïve patients with recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and was granted Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2022.  

About Versamune®
Versamune® is a novel investigational T cell activating platform which effectively stimulates a precise immune system response to a cancer-specific protein. Versamune® based investigational immunotherapies promote a potent targeted T cell attack against cancers expressing the protein. They are given by subcutaneous injection and can be combined with standard of care treatments. Clinical data suggest that Versamune® based investigational immunotherapies, such as PDS0101, demonstrate meaningful disease control by reducing and shrinking tumors, delaying disease progression and/or prolonging survival. Versamune® based immunotherapies have demonstrated minimal toxicity to date that may allow them to be safely combined with other treatments. We believe Versamune® based investigational immunotherapies represent a transformative treatment approach for cancer patients to provide improved efficacy, safety and tolerability.

About PDS Biotechnology
PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune®, Versamune® plus PDS0301, and Infectimune™ T cell-activating platforms. We believe our targeted immunotherapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy approaches through the activation of the right type, quantity and potency of T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the ability to reduce and shrink tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV16-associated cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and will be advancing into a Phase 3 clinical trial in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancer in 2023.   Our Infectimune™ based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech. 

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 PDS0101, PDS0203 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 PDS0101, PDS0203 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; 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 and Infectimune™ is a trademark of PDS Biotechnology.
KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA.

Investor Contacts:
Deanne Randolph
PDS Biotech
Phone: +1 (908) 517-3613
Email: drandolph@pdsbiotech.com

Rich Cockrell
CG Capital
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838
Email: pdsb@cg.capital

Media Contacts: 
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Dave Schemelia 
Phone: +1 (609) 468-9325 
dschemelia@tiberend.com

Bill Borden 
Phone: +1 (732) 910-1620 
bborden@tiberend.com

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces Adjournment Of Annual Meeting Of Shareholders

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

June 9, 2023

MALVERN, Pa., June 09, 2023 (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 Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Annual Meeting) was convened and adjourned, without any business being conducted, due to lack of the required quorum.

A quorum consists of the presence at the Annual Meeting either online during the live audio webcast or represented by proxy of the holders of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. There were fewer than a majority of shares entitled to vote present, either in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting therefore had no quorum, and accordingly, the Annual Meeting has been adjourned. The Annual Meeting will resume with respect to all proposals at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, June 23, 2023 and will continue to be held virtually.

The record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting will remain the close of business on April 13, 2023. Shareholders who have already submitted a proxy do not need to vote again for the reconvened Annual Meeting, as the proxies submitted will remain valid. Shareholders who have already submitted proxies and would like to change their vote with respect to any of the proposals can update their vote in the manner set forth in the Definitive Proxy Statement. Your vote will be recorded at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your most recently submitted proxy.

Ocugen shareholders as of close of business on the April 13, 2023 record date who have not yet voted are encouraged to vote online at www.proxyvote.com or by telephone at 1-800-690-6903. Shareholders that need assistance voting or have questions, may contact Ocugen’s proxy solicitation firm, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, at (877) 750-8198.

Voting on all proposals will be open until the conclusion of Ocugen’s 2023 Annual Meeting on June 23, 2023.

If you hold your shares of our common stock with a broker, bank, or other holder of record as nominee or agent, you may be subject to an earlier voting deadline and you should carefully review any materials received from the nominee or agent regarding how to vote your shares.

A copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement is available to shareholders on the Company’s website and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Ocugen shareholders as of the April 13, 2023 record date for the Annual Meeting are invited to attend the virtual Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/OCGN2023.

Important Information

This material may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the Annual Meeting to be reconvened and held on June 23, 2023. In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company filed a Definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC on April 20, 2023. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISIONS, SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING. The Definitive Proxy Statement was mailed to shareholders who are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. No changes have been made to the proposals to be voted on by shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement and any other materials filed by the Company with the SEC can be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or the Company’s website www.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 Twitter 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, 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. 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 Corporate Communications
IR@ocugen.com 

Baudax Bio (BXRX) – More Positive Top-Line Results From Phase II BX1000 Trial


Thursday, June 08, 2023

Baudax Bio is a pharmaceutical company focused on innovative products for acute care settings. ANJESO is the first and only 24-hour, intravenous (IV) COX-2 preferential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for the management of moderate to severe pain. In addition to ANJESO, Baudax Bio has a pipeline of other innovative pharmaceutical assets including two novel neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs) and a proprietary chemical reversal agent specific to these NMBs. For more information, please visit www.baudaxbio.com.

Gregory Aurand, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Healthcare Services & Medical Devices, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Deeper dive into the results.  The electomyography (EMG) detailed analysis confirmed the earlier top-line data released showing the highest dose of BX1000 was comparable to rocuronium (current standard). There was a clear dose response for BX1000 on maximum T1 suppression, with comparable results for the 1.5x ED95  dose of BX1000 and the 2x ED95 dose of rocuronium, strongly suggesting lower BX1000 dosing needed.

What is T1 suppression?  Train of Four (TOF) testing is a method of peripheral nerve stimulation, using electrodes placed along the nerve pathway. An electrical impulse will cause a contraction (twitch). With increased NMB dosing, the twitch response fades, with the fourth (T4) response lost first, then T3, then T2, and finally the first (T1). The number of twitches observed indicates the NMB level achieved, determining the minimum amount needed to achieve the desired effect, while reducing the likelihood of over-paralysis and prolonged muscle weakness. A T1 level of suppression (or one twitch) represents approximately 90% block, a level suitable for short term procedures including intubation. 


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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. 

ChitogenX Inc. (CHNXF) – Non-Brokered Private Placement 2nd Tranche Closed; Clarification And Revision


Wednesday, June 07, 2023

Gregory Aurand, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Healthcare Services & Medical Devices, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

2nd Tranche.  The Company announced Monday they had closed a 2nd tranche for $288,000 (currencies in Canadian $).  This tranche, on the back of the closed $3.86 million 1st tranche announced previously, consisted of gross cash proceeds of $41,250 and $241,141 in convertible debt conversions that had matured May 1, 2023.  In this 2nd tranche, 1.922608 million units at $0.15 per unit were issued.  Each unit consisted of one share of common and one purchase warrant exercisable at $0.35 per share.

Clarification To Company May 5, 2023 Press Release And Correction.  In the Company’s press release Monday June 5, 2023, it was clarified that the $3.86 million non-brokered 1st tranche placement, which closed early May, consisted of $1.267 million in gross cash proceeds and debt conversions of $2.589 million.  While the two tranches remove $2.84 million in liabilities, gross cash proceeds from the tranches totaled approximately $1.31 million. In our prior noted dated June 1, 2023, we indicated ChitogenX raised $5.3 million subsequent to its fiscal January 31, 2023 yearend. However, gross cash proceeds were approximately $3.0 million.


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Release – PDS Biotechnology Post-ASCO Conference Call Tomorrow, June 6, at 8 a.m. ET

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., June 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and infectious disease, today announced that the Company will be hosting a conference call and webcast tomorrow, June 6, 2023, to discuss the promising interim data from the VERSATILE-002 (NCT04260126) Phase 2 clinical trial investigating PDS0101 in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), presented at the 2023 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting.

During the call, management will provide an in-depth review of the 2023 ASCO interim data.

Conference Call Information:
PDS Biotech will host a conference call on Tuesday, June 6, at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the interim data being presented at the ASCO 2023 Annual Meeting. A live webcast of the event will be available online at PDS Biotech Post-ASCO Webcast. The event will be archived in the investor relations section of PDS Biotech’s website for six months.

Additionally, interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing either 877-407-3088 (US) or 201-389-0927 (International).

About PDS Biotechnology
PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune®, Versamune® plus PDS0301, and Infectimune™ T cell-activating platforms. We believe our targeted immunotherapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy approaches through the activation of the right type, quantity and potency of T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the ability to reduce and shrink tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV16-associated cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and will be advancing into a Phase 3 clinical trial in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancer in 2023. Our Infectimune™ based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech. 

Investor Relations:
Deanne Randolph
PDS Biotech
Phone: +1 (908) 517-3613
Email: drandolph@pdsbiotech.com

Rich Cockrell
CG Capital
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838
Email: pdsb@cg.capital

Media Contacts:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Dave Schemelia
Phone: +1 (609) 468-9325
dschemelia@tiberend.com

Bill Borden
Phone: +1 (732) 910-1620
bborden@tiberend.com

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces Business Advisory Board

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

June 5, 2023

MALVERN, Pa., June 05, 2023 (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 Company has established a Business Advisory Board to assist in driving public/private partnerships with governments around the world; pursuing business collaborations, partnerships, and licensing opportunities; creating awareness of the Company’s differentiated capabilities; and promoting access to the Company’s therapies around the world.

“I am delighted to welcome this notable group of advisors to Ocugen,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Ocugen. “At this stage in the Company’s growth, it is critical to foster collaborations—among industry and with government agencies—to continue driving our clinical programs and maximizing value for our shareholders and patients. The Business Advisory Board will provide new insight to our business strategy, while expanding our reach to execute the strategy.”

Ocugen’s Business Advisory Board members have been selected based on their extensive professional backgrounds and proven track record of creating partnerships among the public and private sector. Members include:

Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal, PhD, Global Senior Fellow at the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies at The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Westphal was the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March 2014 to January 2017. He also held the positions of Assistant Secretary of the Army (Head of the Army Corps of Engineers) from 1998 to 2000 and Acting Secretary of the Army in 2001.

Pat Toomey, U.S. Senator who represented Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2023. As a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Toomey helped to develop and pass the 2017 tax reform—the most sweeping reform in over 30 years. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999-2005. In addition to his public service, the senator has also worked in the financial services industry, trading and managing a portfolio of fixed income derivatives first for Chemical Bank and later for Morgan Grenfell.

Dennis Carey, PhD, Vice Chairman of Korn Ferry, where he recruits Board Directors, CEOs, and their direct reports. He has placed and assessed some of the most successful CEOs and directors for over 75 leading companies in the Fortune 500. Dr. Carey founded several forums for Chairmen, CEOs, and C-Suite executives. He has published seven books, his three most recent being, Talent Strategy RiskBoards that Lead, and Talent Wins. In addition to his books, he has published over 50 refereed journal articles. Dr. Carey also teaches Corporate Governance at The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.

“As the world faces critical challenges to public health from viruses and diseases, the research and development by Ocugen through cell and gene therapies and vaccines is an important effort to address these growing and impactful contributions to world health,” said Ambassador Westphal.

“I look forward to helping advance Ocugen—a leading Pennsylvania Biotech,” said Senator Toomey. “I will always be committed to driving economic growth in the state and this role is an extension of my many years in public office.”

“I’ve watched Ocugen evolve over the last few years as a business consultant and am now honored to join the Business Advisory Board,” said Dr. Carey. “Now is the right time to bring this group together, as there are several transformative milestones ahead in the near term.”

The Business Advisory Board will work alongside the Executive Leadership Team to offer guidance, perspective, and insight to enable the Company to fulfill its mission and achieve its short- and long-term strategy.

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 Twitter 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, 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. 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 Corporate Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com