Scancell Holdings PLC on Thursday said its cancer vaccine had achieved early validation for clinical use.

The Oxford, UK-based pharmaceutical firm said its Modi-1 Moditope vaccine had passed Simon stage 1, the first phase of testing.

This was a key milestone clinically and commercially, Scancell said, though the results are preliminary and still require verification.

The market reflected the firm’s optimism, with Scancell shares rising 5.6% to 10.40 pence each in London after Thursday morning’s announcement.

Modi-1 is designed to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer. Testing combined the drug with a checkpoint inhibitor and assessed patient tumours at a 25-week scan. Scancell aimed to determine whether Modi-1 had improved patients’ objective response rate to treatment.

Three out of seven people had a partial response, equating to a 43% ORR. This is higher than historical response rates for vaccines such as Pembrolizumbab and nivolumbad, which have recorded ORRs of 19% AND 13% respectively.

Scancell reported ‘good safety and tolerability’ of Modi-1. The early results will only be verified after a total of up to 21 patients have been vaccinated, though Scancell is confident about moving into the next phase of testing.

The firm added that Modi-1’s commercial position was strong, following the US Patent & Trademark Office’s granting a patent for Moditope. Scancell already has protection for the vaccine in Europe, China, Japan and Australia.

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