PDS Biotechnology Corp. (PDSB) – PDS Licenses Merck’s IL-12 Used In Its Combination Studies


Wednesday, January 04, 2023

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

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

License Gives Exclusive Rights To M9241. PDS Bio announced a licensing agreement with Merck KGaA covering M9241, the proprietary IL-12 tumor-targeting cytokine used in its Phase 2 Triple Therapy combination study. As discussed in our Research Note on December 29, most recent results have shown significant improvement in outcomes for these patients. Since PDS did not have commercial rights to M9241 before the licensing agreement, we believe this is a highly positive development.

Licensing Terms Are Favorable For Both Companies. The license agreement gives PDS exclusive worldwide rights to M9241. PDS will take over all development, manufacturing, and commercialization, while Merck continues to supply the drug during the transition. PDS will pay Merck a licensing fee of $5 million in cash and $5 million in its common stock, consisting of 378,787 shares or about 1.3% of the shares outstanding. Merck will receive development and regulatory milestones of up to $11 million for the first two indications, as well as commercial milestones of up to $105 million plus 10% royalties on initial sales.


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Release – PDS Biotech Announces Exclusive Global License Agreement for Investigational IL-12 Tumor-Targeted Cytokine from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

PDS Biotech bolsters immuno-oncology portfolio with a clinical-stage product synergistic with its Versamune® platform

PDS Biotech to host conference call and webcast on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 8:00 AM EST

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 03, 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 an exclusive global license agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany for the tumor-targeting IL-12 fusion protein M9241 (formerly known as NHS-IL12), which will join the pipeline as PDS0301. M9241 appears to enhance the proliferation, potency and longevity of T cells in the tumor. The combination of Versamune® and IL-12 is patented by PDS Biotech and is designed to overcome tumor immune suppression utilizing a different mechanism from checkpoint inhibitors.

Under the terms of the agreement, PDS Biotech will receive from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany an exclusive license to M9241. PDS Biotech will assume responsibility for future development, commercialization, and manufacturing of M9241.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany will receive an upfront cash payment of $5 million and will be entitled to up to $11 million in development and regulatory milestone payments including first commercial sales for the first 2 indications, and up to $105 million in commercial milestones, and a 10% royalty on future sales of M9241 with standard step-down provisions. Merck KGaA will receive 378,787 shares of PDS Biotech’s common stock having a value of $5 million, based on the closing price of PDS Biotech’s common stock on December 30, 2022.

“We are pleased to have partnered with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to advance the development of M9241, a highly innovative cytokine therapy,” said Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, PDS Biotech CEO. “Under the licensing arrangement between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and PDS Biotech, assumption of an equity stake by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in PDS Biotech further confirms the potential of the Versamune® platform and the data generated to date with this combination therapy. I’d like to thank the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany team for their support of PDS Biotech’s mission to potentially offer more cancer patients improved treatment options.”

M9241 was studied in a novel triple combination at the National Cancer Institute in a Phase 2 trial (NCT04287868) in combination with PDS0101, a Versamune® based HPV16-targeted immunotherapy, and bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting two independent immunosuppressive pathways (PD-L1 and TGF-β). The triple combination was studied in checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-naïve and -refractory patients with advanced HPV-positive anal, cervical, head and neck, vaginal, and vulvar cancers who have failed prior therapy.

Data highlights for patients who had failed prior treatments including CPIs:

  • Median overall survival for treated patients is 21 months in 29 CPI refractory patients. The reported historical median OS in patients with CPI refractory disease is 3-4 months.
  • 63% (5/8) of treated patients with the optimal dose combination had significant tumor shrinkage of over 30% (objective response). With the standard of care, the reported percentage of patients having an objective response is less than 10%.
  • 79% (11/14) of treated patients demonstrated a greater than two-fold increase in HPV16-targeted T cells.

Results for patients who had failed prior treatments but were CPI-naïve also continue to appear to be encouraging:

  • 88% (7/8) of CPI naïve patients had an objective response.
  • 38% (3/8) of responders had a complete response.
  • In CPI naïve subjects, 75% (6/8) remain alive at a median follow-up of 27 months. As a result, median OS has not yet been reached. Historically median OS for similar patients with platinum experienced CPI naïve disease is 7-11 months.

PDS Biotech has a scheduled meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss a registrational trial for investigating the triple combination of M9241, PDS0101 and a checkpoint inhibitor in recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive cancers.

Dr. Lauren V. Wood, Chief Medical Officer at PDS Biotech, commented, “M9241 seems to be unique in its ability to target the tumor’s microenvironment and appears to further promote proliferation of Versamune®-induced T cells in the tumors while also potentially enhancing the killing potency of the T cells. With the addition of M9241 to our Versamune®-based pipeline products, our goal is to develop and achieve checkpoint inhibitor-agnostic and independent combinations in advanced cancers. We look forward to expanding clinical development of our novel investigational combination products.”

Conference Call and Webcast
PDS Biotech will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, beginning at 8:00 AM EST. Participants should dial 877-407-3088 (United States) or 201-389-0927 (International) and reference conference ID 13734890. To access the webcast, please use the following link. The event will be archived in the investor relations section of PDS Biotech’s website for six months. 

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® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-expressing cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. 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.

About PDS0301
PDS0301 is a tumor-targeting IL-12 that enhances the proliferation, potency and longevity of T cells in the tumor. Together with Versamune® based immunotherapies, PDS0301 works to promote a targeted T cell attack against cancers and also overcome tumor-induced immune suppression. Clinical data suggest this combination may demonstrate significant disease control by shrinking tumors and/or prolonging survival in recurrent/metastatic cancers with poor survival prognosis. A National Cancer Institute-supported Phase 2 clinical study of PDS0301 in a triple combination therapy is being conducted in checkpoint inhibitor refractory patients with multiple advanced HPV-associated cancers.

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 our 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 success of the Company’s license agreements, including the potential for the clinical and nonclinical data available under the Company’s exclusive license agreement with Merck KGaA to aid in the development of the Versamune® platform; and other factors, including legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments not within the Company’s control, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. 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 risk factors included in the Company’s annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. 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.

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

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

PDS Biotechnology Corp (PDSB) – Triple Therapy Data Shows Large Improvements Over Standard of Care


Thursday, December 29, 2022

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

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

New Data From The Phase 2 Triple Therapy Trial Shows Better Response And Survival Data. PDS Bio announced new data from its Phase 2 trial testing PDS0101 in combination with two immunomodulating drugs. Patients with HPV16-positive cancer received the “Triple Therapy” consisting of PDS0101, an IL-12 fusion protein, and a bivalent checkpoint inhibitor. One of two arms in the trial reached its median objective survival (OS) of 21 months, an improvement over the last interim update and the historical survival of 3 to 4 months.

New Overall Survival Data Shows Improvement Over Last Interim Update. Patients enrolled in the trial had HPV16-positive cancer with progressive disease after standard therapies. Patients who received previous checkpoint inhibitor therapy  but no longer responded (checkpoint inhibitor refractory) reached a medial Overall Survival (OS) of 21 months. This compares to the last interim update of 16 months OS with 66% remaining alive. Expected survival for patients at this stage is 3 to 4 months. In the group that was naïve to checkpoint inhibitors, 75% remained alive at a median follow-up of 27 months, so the median OS has not been reached. Expected survival for similar patients is 7 to 11 months.


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

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

Release – PDS Biotech Reports Median Overall Survival (OS) of 21 Months in Advanced, Refractory Cancer Patients Having Few Remaining Treatment Options and with Reported Historical Survival of 3-4 months

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

Median OS of 21 months in 29 checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) refractory HPV16-positive cancer patients in National Cancer Institute-led Phase 2 clinical trial of PDS0101 triple combination

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Dec. 28, 2022 (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 expanded interim data in a Phase 2 clinical trial investigating the PDS0101-based triple combination therapy in advanced human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cancers. The triple combination of PDS0101 with the tumor-targeting IL-12 fusion protein M9241 (formerly known as NHS-IL12), and bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting two independent immunosuppressive pathways (PD-L1 and TGF-β), is being studied in CPI-naïve and CPI-refractory patients with advanced HPV-positive anal, cervical, head and neck, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

The triple combination Phase 2 trial (NCT04287868) is being conducted at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one of the Institutes of the National Institutes of Health.

All patients in the study had failed prior treatment with chemotherapy and 90% had failed radiation treatment. The interim efficacy data (n=50) involves 37 HPV16-positive evaluable patients, including 29 patients who have, in addition, failed treatment with CPIs (CPI refractory). Highlights of the expanded interim data are as follows and are consistent with the results presented at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2022 and prior interim data announced in October:

  • Median OS is 21 months in 29 checkpoint inhibitor refractory patients who received the triple combination. The reported historical median OS in patients with CPI refractory disease is 3-4 months.
  • In CPI naïve subjects, 75% remain alive at a median follow-up of 27 months. As a result, median OS has not yet been reached. Historically median OS for similar patients with platinum experienced CPI naïve disease is 7-11 months.
  • Objective response rate (ORR) in CPI refractory patients who received the optimal dose of the triple combination is 63% (5/8). In current approaches ORR is reported to be less than 10%.
  • ORR in CPI naïve patients with the triple combination is 88%. In current approaches ORR is reported to be less than 25% with FDA-approved CPIs in HPV-associated cancers.
  • Safety data have not changed since October’s update. 48% (24/50) of patients experienced Grade 3 (moderate) treatment-related adverse events (AEs), and 4% (2/50) of patients experienced Grade 4 (severe) AEs, compared with approximately 70% of patients receiving the combination of CPIs and chemotherapy reporting Grade 3 and higher treatment-related AEs.

“The expanded data continue to demonstrate the durability and tolerability of the PDS0101-based triple combination therapy in advanced HPV-positive cancers, an extremely challenging population of refractory and previously untreatable HPV-positive patients,” stated Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. “We are pleased to see the continued consistency in the data with each update and we look forward to meeting with the FDA to discuss the registrational pathway.”

Both M9241 and bintrafusp alfa are owned by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and its affiliates.

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® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-positive cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. 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.

About PDS0101

PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, PDS0101, combines the utility of the Versamune® platform with targeted antigens in HPV-positive cancers. In partnership with Merck & Co., PDS Biotech is evaluating a combination of PDS0101 and KEYTRUDA® in a Phase 2 study in first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, and also in second line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer in patients who have failed prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy. A Phase 2 clinical study is also being conducted in both second- and third-line treatment of multiple advanced HPV-positive cancers in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A third phase 2 clinical trial in first line treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer is being performed with The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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

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 our 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, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. 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 risk factors included in the Company’s annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. 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.

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

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

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

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

PDS Biotechnology Corp (PDSB) – SITC Abstracts Released For Two Studies


Tuesday, November 08, 2022

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

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Data To Be Presented At SITC.  PDS Biotechnology released two PDS0101 abstracts to be presented at the SITC (Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer) meeting later this week. Data will be from the Phase 2 IMMUNOCERV trial in cervical cancer in combination with chemotherapy and radiation and the trial known as the Triple Combination Study or NCI Study, testing PDS0101 in combination with two immunomodulating agents. We believe both studies show positive results that are consistent with our expectations. 

IMMUNOCERV Trial Highlights. The Phase 2 IMMUNOCERV trial is testing PDS0101 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer. Out of 17 patients enrolled in the study, 8 had been reached the 170-day status evaluation for by PET CT. Complete responses (CR) were seen in 7 out of 8 (87.5%) of the patients. One year survival was all 8 out of 8 (100%), with 7 out of 8 disease free (87.5%). One patient who only received 3 out of 5 doses showed signs of residual disease. The study is still ongoing.


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

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

Release – PDS Biotech to Present at the LD Micro Main Event XV

Research, News, and Market Data on PDSB

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 19, 2022 (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 its management will present at the LD Micro Main Event XV conference being held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on October 25-27, 2022.

LD Micro Main Event XV
Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Time: 4:30 PM PDT
Virtual viewers: Livestream

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® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-positive cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. 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.

Versamune® is a registered trademark and Infectimune™ is a trademark of PDS Biotechnology.

Investor Contacts:
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 Biotech Announces Abstract Demonstrating Versatility of the Versamune® Platform in Oncology Accepted for Presentation at AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy

Research, News, and Market Data on PDSB

Abstract highlights foundational research in the development of PDS0102 and PDS0103

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 17, 2022 (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 an abstract reporting on preclinical studies of two the company’s oncology pipeline products targeting multiple types of cancer has been accepted for presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy 2022. The AACR Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Conference is being held October 21-24, 2022, in Boston.

Versamune® is PDS Biotech’s novel investigational T cell activating platform designed to stimulate a precise immune system response to cancer-specific proteins. The abstract accepted for presentation at the AACR Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Conference highlights the development of Versamune® based drug formulations containing multi-epitope peptide antigen sequences of the tumor-associated protein TARP (T cell receptor gamma chain Alternate Reading frame Protein) and modified sequences of novel Mucin 1 oncoprotein (MUC1). This research provided the foundation for the development of PDS0102 as a potential treatment for TARP-associated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), prostate, and breast cancers, and PDS0103 as a potential treatment for MUC1-associated breast, colon, lung, ovarian, and other cancers.

“Our Versamune® platform provides an opportunity to address a myriad of cancers by combining the technology with unique proteins or peptides that are specific to the cancer. The research accepted for presentation at the AACR Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Conference highlights this important versatility of the platform and, specifically, the rationale for our PDS0102 and PDS0103 programs,” commented Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. “We welcome the opportunity to present at such a highly influential conference. Based on recently reported clinical results from our ongoing studies of PDS0101 in HPV-positive cancers such as anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, we continue to expand our Versamune® based programs into TARP-associated AML, prostate and breast cancers, and MUC1-associated breast, colon, lung, ovarian and other cancers.”

Poster Number: B24
Abstract Title: Development of targeted T cell cancer immunotherapies based on a novel enantiomeric cationic lipid that promotes antigen cross-presentation and upregulation of type I interferons
Authors: Siva K. Gandhapudi, Karuna Sundarapandiyan, Martin Ward, Afsheen Fatima, Mania Dorrani, Mary Banoub, Joe Dervan, Lauren Wood, Greg Conn, and Jerold G. Woodward
Session Date and Time: Sunday, October 23 at 6:00-8:30 pm ET

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® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-positive cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. 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 our 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, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. 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 risk factors included in the Company’s annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. 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. 

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 

PDS Biotechnology Corp (PDSB) – Interim Update From Triple-Therapy Trial Shows Continued Survival Benefit


Wednesday, October 12, 2022

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

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Survival Data Extended To 16 Months.  PDS Biotech announced an interim data update from its Phase 2 clinical trial testing PDS0101 in combination with two immunotherapy drugs (bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional checkpoint inhibitor and IL-12, an immunocytokine).  This trial is being conducted at the National Cancer Institute and is known as the “NCI trial” or the “Triple-Therapy” trial. 

Trial Design. The study enrolled patients with HPV-positive tumors of multiple tissues who had failed prior therapy.  Patients were stratified into two arms, separating those that had not received checkpoint inhibitor (CPI naive) therapy from those that had progressed after receiving CPI therapy (CPI refractory). Patients received a combination of PDS0101 with M9241, a tumor-targeting IL-12, and bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional checkpoint inhibitor.  Following the interim data announcement at the ASCO Meeting in May 2022, PDS announced that it would move forward to pivotal trials in CPI refractory patients.


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

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

Release – PDS Biotech Announces Expanded Interim Data in PDS0101 Triple Combination Phase 2 Trial Targeting Advanced HPV-Positive Cancers

Research, News, and Market Data on PDSB

66% of HPV 16-positive checkpoint inhibitor refractory patients are alive at median follow up of 16 months

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 11, 2022 (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 expanded interim data in the Phase 2 clinical trial investigating the PDS0101-based triple combination therapy in advanced human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cancers.   This Phase 2 study is being conducted at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one of the Institutes of the National Institutes of Health. The interim efficacy data from 37 HPV16-positive evaluable patients, including 29 patients in the checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) refractory arm, are consistent with the results presented at ASCO 2022 and affirm the selection of CPI refractory patients as the initial patient population for ongoing clinical development of the triple combination.

The NCI-led Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT04287868) is investigating PDS0101 in combination with two investigational immune-modulating agents – M9241, a tumor-targeting IL-12 (immunocytokine), and bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional checkpoint inhibitor (PD-L1/ TGF-β) – in recurrent or metastatic HPV-positive cancers in patients who have failed prior therapy. The triple combination is being studied in CPI-naïve and -refractory patients with advanced HPV-positive anal, cervical, head and neck, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Both M9241 and bintrafusp alfa are owned by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Highlights of the expanded interim data are as follows:

  • Survival data: 66% (19/29) of HPV 16-positive CPI refractory patients in the cohort were alive at a median follow up of 16 months.  Historically, this group has a median overall survival of only 3-4 months. i
  • Safety profile: 48% (24/50) of patients experienced Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs), and 4% (2/50) patients experienced Grade 4 AEs. There were no grade 5 treatment-related AEs

Results for HPV 16-positive checkpoint inhibitor naïve patients also continue to appear to be encouraging: 75% (6/8) of CPI naïve patients were alive at a median of 25 months of follow up. 38% (3/8) of responders had a complete response. 

“The expanded interim data investigating the PDS0101-based triple combination therapy in advanced HPV-positive cancers continue to appear to show clinical signs of efficacy, durability and safety in an extremely challenging patient population with very few available treatment options,” stated Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. “Importantly, these results affirm the decision to explore this novel combination for the treatment of CPI refractory patients, who have no approved standard of care, and support development of a combination therapy to address the significant unmet need.”

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® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-positive cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. 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.

About PDS0101

PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, PDS0101, combines the utility of the Versamune® platform with targeted antigens in HPV-positive cancers. In partnership with Merck & Co., PDS Biotech is evaluating a combination of PDS0101 and KEYTRUDA® in a Phase 2 study in first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, and also in second line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer in patients who have failed prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy. A Phase 2 clinical study is also being conducted in both second- and third-line treatment of multiple advanced HPV-positive cancers in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A third phase 2 clinical trial in first line treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer is being performed with The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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

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 our 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, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. 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 risk factors included in the Company’s annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. 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.

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

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

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

Bill Borden
Tiberend Strategic Advisors
Phone: +1 732-910-1620
bborden@tiberend.com

PDS Biotechnology Corp (PDSB) – PDS0101 To Advance To Phase 3 In First Indication


Tuesday, October 04, 2022

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

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

PDS Biotech Announces FDA Meeting Results.  PDS Biotech announced the outcome of an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA to determine the clinical development pathway for PDS0101.  In the meeting, data from the interim analysis of the VERSATILE-002 trial testing PDS0101 in HPV-positive head-and-neck cancer was evaluated and regulatory guidance provided.  Although the trial is still ongoing, the efficacy and safety data will allow moving into a Phase 3 pivotal study ahead of schedule during 2023.

VERSATILE-002 Showed Strong Response Rates.   The VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 trial was designed to test PDS0101 in HPV-positive cancer of the head and neck in combination with the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda, from Merck).  As discussed in our Research Note reviewing the data at the ASCO conference last May 31, the tumor response rate (shrinkage of 30% or more) was 41.2% (7 out of 17 patients).  This compares with published data showing 19% response rate for checkpoint inhibitors alone.  Progression-free survival (PFS) at nine months was 55.2% and overall survival (OS) was 87.2%.


Get the Full Report

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

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