Checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda and Opdivo are on the leading edge of cancer treatment, explains Michael Murphy, a leading technology and biotech expert and editor of New World Investor.
Inovio (INO) — a holding in our speculative biotech portfolio — published a paper in Oncotarget showing that a single injection of their synthetic designer dMAb versions of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo) sequences targeting PD-1 protein can be robustly redeveloped to be expressed directly in vivo in mice for up to several months.
Furthermore, their proprietary sequence optimization of the molecular design of these therapeutics resulted in significantly improved expression compared to the original Keytruda and Opdivo native sequences while maintaining identical binding capabilities.
These dMAb results showed the potential of advancing of a new generation of checkpoint inhibitors with multiple benefits including:
* Simplifying the patient regimen for checkpoint blockade therapy — converting 90-minute intravenous infusions administered every three weeks with currently marketed protein-based mAbs into a single local injection of dMAbs
* Possibly resulting in more consistency of expression in vivo providing improved benefits for the patient
* Through simple additional modifications and simplified dMAb combination formulations, engender further improved functions rapidly providing additional clinical benefit
CEO Dr. Joseph Kim said, “We are rapidly pioneering a potentially breakthrough class of medicines – dMAbs – produced directly in the human body. PD-1/PD-L1 targeting checkpoint inhibitor mAb products represent some of the most important advancements in immuno-oncology today. We look forward to advancing our PD-1 targeting dMAb products as potentially better versions of blockbusters KEYTRUDA and OPDIVO – with whole new sets of IP behind them – through corporate partnerships, external funding, and collaborations.”
We need to own this stock because traditional monoclonal antibodies are the largest segment of pharmaceutical markets today, accounting for more than $100 billion in drug sales each year, with treatments spanning cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
With its synthetic design and in-patient production, Inovio’s dMAb products are a disruptive entrant to monoclonal drugs. INO is a Buy under $6 for a very long-term hold. We caution that the primary risk with this speculative biotech stock is that their drugs fail in the clinic.
