NetScientific PLC (LON:NSCI) said it plans to invest a further US$500,000 into portfolio company PDS Biotechnology after the latter released ‘encouraging’ phase I clinical trial results.
The early-stage study of PDS0101 for human papilloma virus (HPV) related cancers is designed to assess areas such as safety and whether patients can tolerate the drug.
But it also looked at the method of action of the Versamune technology behind the treatment.
Scientists found this it overcomes a key obstacle that tends to block drugs that use the body’s own immune system to tackle diseases such as cancer.
Specifically, it was able to “efficiently access” a pathway known as MHC Class-I.
This opens the way up to train and activate a population of T-cells known as “killer” T-cells to target cancers containing specific proteins.
"We are encouraged by these promising Phase I results, which provide validation of the Versamune platform technology,” said NetScientific chief executive Francois Martelet.
"This is the first validation of the technology," Martelet told Proactive.
“As an early stage investor in PDS Biotechnology we look forward to continuing our support of the company as it looks to further corroborate the potential of PDS0101 in upcoming phase II studies in pre-cancer, cervical and head and neck cancers."
"We'll be looking to rebalance the portfolio down the road and adding a stronger therapeutics leg," he added.
NetScientific has invested US$2.5mln (£1.76mln) in PDS to date and owns 14.85% of the fledgling drug developer.
Shares dipped 2% to 74p.
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