Scancell Holdings PLC (AIM: SCLP, OTC: SCNLF) shares soared by 23% in early market hours after it reported that the initial phase of its phase II SCOPE trial for advanced melanoma surpassed projections.
This research assessed the efficacy of Scancell’s SCIB1 when paired with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Early data from 11 participants showed an 82% objective response rate (ORR), which significantly surpasses the trial’s initial aim of a 70% ORR.
Lead investigator, Professor Poulam Patel, remarked, “If these findings are validated with a larger group, they will mark a considerable enhancement over existing treatments. We’re keen to move to the trial’s next phase and will share more findings in the future.”
The trial’s objective was to enhance the ORR in patients with inoperable metastatic melanoma by jointly administering SCIB1 and CPIs.
The vaccine’s goal is to either trigger or strengthen immune reactions. These reactions are subsequently safeguarded within the tumour setting by the CPIs. The patients were administered SCIB1 through a needleless apparatus, accompanied by the leading CPIs in the market, namely nivolumab and ipilimumab.
By 8:15 a.m., the share price had risen to 16.18p, an increase of 3.06p.
Research firm Trinity Delta commented, “Despite the limited number of patients, the remarkable data from the SCOPE trial effectively showcases the potential of pairing the SCIB vaccine with CPIs.
Given the compelling results, there’s a 90% chance of success for the study’s subsequent phase, which will involve another 27 patients (totalling 43). Simultaneously, a new patient group will test the combination of the same CPI duo with iSCIB1+, promising a wider patient reach and heightened efficacy.”
