Shares of Scancell Holdings PLC (AIM:SCLP, OTC:SCNLF) jumped 23% in early trading following the announcement that the initial stage of its phase II SCOPE trial in advanced melanoma has outperformed expectations.
The study focused on the effectiveness of Scancell's SCIB1 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Preliminary data from 11 patients revealed an 82% objective response rate (ORR), notably exceeding the trial's initial target of a 70% ORR.
Professor Poulam Patel, the chief investigator, said: "These results if confirmed in a larger cohort, will significantly improve upon current treatment options. We are eager to proceed to the second stage of the study and will report additional data in due course."
The trial aimed to boost the ORR in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma by administering SCIB1 and CPIs in tandem.
The vaccine is designed to either initiate or amplify immune responses, which are then protected within the tumour environment by the CPIs. Patients received SCIB1 via a needle-free device, along with the most effective CPIs currently available, nivolumab and ipilimumab.
At 8.15 am, the stock was changing hands for 16.18p, up 3.06p.
Research house Trinity Delta said: "Although a small patient population, these highly impressive data from the SCOPE study effectively demonstrate the concept of using the SCIB vaccine in combination with CPIs.
"The strength of the results means the second stage of the study, treating a further 27 patients (bringing the total to 43), has a 90% probability of success.
"In parallel, a new patient cohort will examine the same CPI doublet in combination with iSCIB1+, which offers broader patient applicability and greater potency."