REDONDO BEACH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 6, 2016 / There are many different approaches to treating cancer. While surgery was undoubtedly the first approach to treating cancer, Dr. William B. Coley noticed that cancer patients went into remission after developing a bacterial infection and began the first immunotherapy regimens back in the late 19th century. Scientists noticing the effects of mustard gas in the early 20th century began developing the first chemotherapy regimens by the 1940s.
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed in 2004-2010 increased to 68% compared to just 49% between 1975-1977. These favorable trends have been driven by a combination of better treatments and earlier diagnoses thanks to improved awareness. Of course, breast cancer has seen some of the biggest strides in terms of early detection and treatment that has dramatically improved survival.
Companies have taken a wide array of different approaches since the early days of cancer therapeutics. Celgene Corporation's (NASDAQ: CELG) Abraxane is a leading chemotherapy drug; Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (NASDAQ: PPHM) bavituximab removes cancer cells' immunosuppressant abilities; and, Lion Biotechnologies Inc. (NASDAQ: LBIO) is focused on adoptive cell therapies to infiltrate tumors and destroy them.
Unlike many of these companies, OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: OBMP) is focused on developing cancer vaccines that treat the patient at an early stage with little or no toxicity. By building up immunity early on, patients' bodies are better equipped to combat the cancer on their own. The company's lead product, ProscaVax(TM) is set to begin Phase 2 clinical trials early this year after seeing promising signs in its Phase 1 clinical trial results published late last year.
Innovative Approach
OncBioMune is focused on developing cancer vaccines designed to boost the immune system's natural ability to protect the body.
In many types of cancer, the immune system produces white blood cells called lymphocytes as a natural response to the threat. Two key types of lymphocytes - B cells and T cells - are especially effective in combatting cancer. B cells produce antibodies that can inactivate cancerous cells, while T cells can prompt them to self destruct through a process called apoptosis. Normal cells are left unharmed by these processes, which makes it preferable to chemotherapy approaches.
The company's cancer vaccines introduce molecules known as antigens into the body that stimulate an immune response and get the process started before a disease becomes too advanced to combat. For example, a patient with rising PSA levels - an early indication of possible prostate cancer - may get the vaccine to put their body on alert to their prostate cancer in order to more effectively fight it and prevent progression of their disease.
The cancer vaccine approach is not only a smart way to combat cancer, given its low toxicity and early support to the immune system, but the early-stage approach creates a larger potential end market than most cancer therapeutics that only target late-stage patients. Patients benefit from being proactive in treating their cancer early on, while shareholders benefit from a greater number of potential vaccination patients.
Promising Clinical Data
OncBioMune presented results from its Phase 1 clinical trial in October at the International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference. While the trial wasn't expected to be completed until December, 70% of patients that received three vaccines had increased immune responses to PSA and none of the 12 patients that received at least one vaccine had a dose limiting adverse event (DLAE). These results were more than enough to justify a Phase 2 clinical study early this year.
OncBioMune Presentation Phase 1 Prostate Cancer Trial from OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The lack of toxicity is among the most promising elements of the early-stage clinical trial results, since toxicity is a concern that typically derails many cancer therapeutics. With safety concerns out of the way, the company may be able to expedite its Phase 2 clinical trial and focus on proving efficacy. The excellent safety profile could also help expedite future clinical trials that leverage the same technology and approach across different types of cancer.
Many Near-term Catalysts
OncBioMune has a number of near-term catalysts that investors may want to watch over the coming quarters. With a Phase 2 clinical trial set to commence early this year, the company could have interim data out to investors later this year that could provide some additional insights into efficacy with a planned 120 patients enrolled. The clinical trial's lead site will be Harvard Medical School's affiliate Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and its Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The company also continues to move forward with its other clinical programs. Using the same concepts as its prostate cancer vaccine, the company plans to target ovarian cancer as its next most advanced indication by moving into a Phase 1 clinical trial. The company is taking different approaches to target both breast cancer and renal cancer as well, which both remain in the preclinical stage of development as of early 2016.
Looking Ahead
OncBioMune represents an attractive play in the oncology space, with a cancer vaccine that has shown early promise and is moving into a Phase 2 clinical trial. In the past, the company received funding from the Department of Defense for its Phase 1 clinical trial and signed an agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund to provide an additional $10 million in funding through equity purchase agreements, which will help finance its Phase 2 program.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.oncbiomune.com.
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SOURCE: Emerging Growth LLC
