(Alliance News) - EMV Capital PLC on Friday reported that portfolio company, PDS Biotechnology Corp, has initiated its Versatile-003 trial, with it now open to patient enrolment.
The life sciences investor owns a 2.3% direct holding in the New Jersey-based late-stage immunotherapy company.
Versatile-003 is a global phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Versamune HPV in combination with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
The trial is designed for around 350 patients, said EMV Capital, with overall survival the primary endpoint.
It noted that the trial is the first ever HPV16-positive head and neck cancer phase 3 clinical trial.
EMV Capital shares closed up 1.1% at 44.48 pence on Friday afternoon in London.
PDS Biotechnology Chief Executive & President Frank Bedu-Addo said: "We are thrilled to share that the first trial site has been initiated, and activation of additional clinical sites continues. Considering the strength and durability of the clinical responses in our Versatile-002 study, we are pleased to get this registrational trial underway.
"We are confident in the potential of our innovative combination therapy to improve patient outcomes and enhance the standard of care."
By Christopher Ward, Alliance News reporter
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