Human papillomarivus (HPV) is a significant and underserved market opportunity. Globally, high-risk HPVs cause nearly 5% of all cancers, asserts biotech specialist John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter.
HPV cancers represent a significant health burden in indications such as head and neck, cervical, vaginal and anal cancer and are in need of new treatment options as current options are limited to radiation and chemotherapy.
The FDA has cleared the IND application for Precigen (PGEN) to initiate a Phase I/II trial for PRGN-2009, a first-in-class, off-the-shelf (OTS) investigational immunotherapy utilizing the AdenoVerse platform designed to activate the immune system to recognize and target human papillomarivus (HPV) solid tumors.
(Editor's note: John McCamant will be participating in the MoneyShow Virtual Event. On Tuesday, May 12th, John will be discussing "Biotech Investing Post-COVID-19 Pandemic". Register for FREE.)
HPV infects the squamous cells that line the inner surfaces of certain organs and, consequently, most HPV-related cancers are a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
HPV is considered responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers. Recent studies indicate that about 70% of cancers of the oropharynx (top of throat) also may be related to HPV.
Importantly, the start of this trial positions Precigen for a significant catalyst when the first data is released late this year. Phase I/II cancer data can certainly move the needle as it will be able to deliver proof of concept for this exciting program.
HPV+ solid tumor patients currently have poor and antiquated treatment options, radiation and chemo, and in our view, immunotherapy has significant potential to change the treatment paradigm. We rate the stock a buy under $12 a share.
