Scancell Holdings PLC (AIM:SCLP, OTC:SCNLF), a leader in the field of immuno-oncology, is nearing important milestones for its innovative cancer treatment research, according to Stifel, the American investment bank.
Scancell is currently advancing cancer vaccines and antibodies using four proprietary platforms designed to strengthen the body’s immune response against various cancers.
Among the notable developments is the progress of SCIB1, a vaccine targeting malignant melanoma—a serious type of skin cancer.
Developed through Scancell's ImmunoBody platform, SCIB1 has shown promising results in initial trials when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), a type of cancer therapy that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
To date, most patients treated with SCIB1 in combination with standard checkpoint inhibitors have experienced positive responses, including one patient who had a complete response to treatment.
The SCOPE trial, which tests this combination, has now expanded to include more participants, with results expected in the third quarter of 2024.
Another vaccine, Modi-1, developed from Scancell’s Moditope platform, is also expected to deliver important clinical data in the coming year. This ongoing research underscores Scancell's commitment to innovation in cancer therapy.
Stifel notes that Scancell is currently at a compelling point for investment, with high expectations for the upcoming data release and a significant probability of continued success in its clinical trials.
Reiterating its 'buy' advice and 30p a share price target, the bank said: "We continue to see significant value in Scancell's highly innovative approach to cancer vaccine development.
"We see the next 12 months as a potentially transformative period for the business and view Scancell as an attractive investment at these levels."
In afternoon trading the shares were marking time at 9.4p.