Tallahassee, FL 2/10/12 (StreetBeat) – Biotechnology topics are hot in the investment community. Acquisitions are regularly being reported, new treatments are advancing in cancer therapy and stem cell research is being pursued down multiple avenues for its core competencies of repairing damaged body parts at the root of the problem. Bringing together these topics points to the direction of ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB:IMUC), a clinical stage biotechnology company targeting cancer stem cells by using the power of immunology and working in the same industry as Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN). ImmunoCellular Therapeutics presents an investment opportunity that outstrips its much larger competitors as discernible from a recent letter to shareholders from IMUC President and CEO Manish Singh, Ph.D.The company had a banner year in 2011 with a major milestone being hit with the initiation of a Phase II study for its flagship product candidate, ICT-107 (a dendritic cell-based vaccine). This Phase II study builds upon strong data collected in Phase I as an indication for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Phase I research showed ICT-107 outperforming current treatments by showing an 80% survival rate after two years compared to today’s rate of a mere 26.5% and a three-year survival rate of 55% as compared to 15% with standard care treatments. An amazing 38% of the patients treated with ICT-107 continue to show no signs of tumor recurrence after three years as opposed to the bleak rate of 6% in patients receiving standard care. No serious adverse events from the ICT-107 have been observed.
Moreover, ImmunoCellular has completed a $10.4 million financing, paving the way financially for the company through at least the end of 2013 for the ICT-107 Phase II trial and potentially the start of clinical trials for two more vaccines utilizing the same scientific principles as ICT-107 (ICT-140 for ovarian cancer and ICT-121 for recurrent glioblastoma). The financing leaves IMUC in an envious position with cash on hand in excess of $16 million, a strong balance sheet thanks to a lean infrastructure, a robust group of life science investors and absolutely no need for dilutive practices.
The Phase II study is more than halfway through enrollment with more than 115 patients enrolled out of the estimated 160-200 through initiation of the trial at 23 centers, including some of the most prestigious brain tumor treatment centers in the U.S. Enrollment is expected to be completed by the second quarter 2012.
The letter to shareholders covered the whole gamut of ImmunoCellular’s operations highlighting that the company is not only well-positioned for today, but is also forward-thinking and taking the necessary steps to secure its position as a leader in the immunotherapy sector. Amongst its many developments in the last year, IMUC has manufacturing agreements in place for ICT-107 formulations with Progenitor Cell Therapy, a subsidiary of NeoStem (AMEX:NBS); initiated a strategic collaboration and new Joint Venture (called Caerus Discovery) with BioWa to develop enhanced versions of IMUC antibodies; and expanded its patent portfolio.
Industry experts are recognizing the ingenuity of ICT-107 and giving it extensive praise, including it being hailed as one of the “100 Great Investigational Drugs” by R&D Directions, a “Top 10 Licensable Oncology Products” by Windhover, listed as a top ten therapeutic cancer vaccines by Fierce Biotech and being featured on CBS News as a “promising vaccine” for brain cancer.
ImmunoCellular has clearly established itself as a pioneer in immunotherapy and possesses the technology that could truly change the landscape of oncology. They are well-funded and organized, have an outstanding management team; they’re producing stellar clinical data and carry a price point that offers an upside which is arguably larger than any of its peers. All of these qualities align IMUC as a prime acquisition target in a field of merger-hunger major pharmas looking to take the lead in any given field. Keep an eye on this emerging micro-cap firm that could be shepherding in the next generation of brain cancer therapy right before our eyes. Interested parties are encouraged to read the letter to shareholders from Dr. Singh, and keep an alert out for the company’s next SEC filing.
ImmunoCellular to Present at the 14th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference
StreetBeat Disclaimer
No comments:
Post a Comment