Scancell Holdings (SCLP.PLUS) -Link Up With European Leader in Cutting Edge Immunotherapy Technology
SCLP.PLUS
Comment by Objective Capital , Jul 02, 2010
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Earlier this week, Scancell announced a research collaboration with immatics biotechnologies GmbH to develop novel ImmunoBody vaccines for colorectal cancer.

immatics discovers and develops tumor-associated peptides (TUMAPs) and identifies those with the highest sensitivity for the immunotherapy of cancer. immatics' most advanced product, IMA901, has completed a Europe-wide multi-centre Phase II clinical trial in renal cancer and also has a product in its pipeline targeting colorectal carcinoma. In the research collaboration with immatics, colorectal cancer-specific TUMAPs will be incorporated into ImmunoBody constructs to create novel ImmunoBody vaccines targeted towards colorectal cancer.

Objective's view:

As Scancell embarks on its first clinical trial for SCIB1 targeting melanoma, we view this latest research collaboration as further validation of the ImmunoBody technology. immatics is a very well respected leader in Europe in the field of immunotherapy and, in our view, would not have engaged in this relationship without a high regard for the Scancell technology. From Scancell’s perspective, this collaboration provides access to a very promising technology for identifying the most clinically relevant T-cell epitopes for new ImmunoBody vaccines. Additionally, it serves as the Company’s first move beyond melanoma and could serve to prove the broad applicability of the ImmunoBody approach.

As with all of these research collaborations and partnerships, the initial stages are typically investigative in nature. However, the strategic rationale for this relationship appears sound and acts to potentially enhance the long term potential of the franchise. We view this latest announcement as important and potentially very positive for Scancell and will remain vigilant of future events that bring more clarity to the longer term effects of this partnership.