Scancell Holdings PLC (AIM:SCLP, OTC:SCNLF) early release of data on Modi-1 Moditope vaccine in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck cancer underlines a growing confidence in the treatment, says Panmure Liberum.
The data showed a significant step up in overall response rate, albeit in small patient numbers to date but supported the continuation of the study to full recruitment.
Three of the seven evaluable patients treated with the combination (Modi-1 Moditope + pembrolizumab (Keytruda)) demonstrated partial response at their 25-week scan or an overall objective response rate (ORR) of 43%.
“This compares favourably to historical ORR’s of 19% for pembrolizumab and 13% for nivolumab (Opdivo), an alternative checkpoint inhibitor,” the broker said.
Panmure Liberum added: “Interestingly, the product is also attracting investigator interest to evaluate the product in the neoadjuvant setting, that is as a pre-treatment to shrink the tumour prior to the main treatment, usually surgery.”
The broker also reiterated its belief that Scancell shares have the potential to significantly outperform over the next 12 months.
“It has a strong pipeline of clinical news with early data already available on both the SCOPE and ModiFY trials derisking the outcomes somewhat. “
With a price target of 24p, the investment view is 'buy'. The shares were up 5% at 10.4p.