A peer-reviewed publication has given backing to a cancer immunotherapy platform developed by PDS Biotechnology Corporation (NASDAQ:PDSB) – one of Netscientific PLC’s (LON:NSCI) portfolio companies.
The article, published online earlier this month in the Journal of Immunology, describes how the Versamune platform recruits and activates T-cells.
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T-cells are responsible for identifying and attacking cancer cells while at the same time making them more susceptible to T-cell attack.
A phase II study of PDS0101 – the lead drug from the Versamune platform – in combination with Merck’s Keytruda in head and neck cancer patients is due to kick off later this year.
Similar studies testing PDS0101 in advanced HPV-associated cancers and on its own in cervical dysplasia are also planned.
Shares in Netscientific, which owns 8.15% of PDS’s stock, rose 16.5% to 9.03p in late-afternoon trading on Thursday.