In an Aug. 8 research report, analyst Jason McCarthy provided an update on Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (INO:NASDAQ) various development programs as the company moves through H2/18.
Its lead candidate, VGX-3100, addressing cancers and precancers attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV), is moving through parallel phase 3 clinical trials. The two studies, REVEAL 1 and REVEAL 2, will each enroll "198 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 associated with HPV types 16 or 18 across 100 study centers globally," the analyst stated. Presently 70 sites are open. The expectation is that the trials will read out in 2020, and McCarthy notes that "China is upside; if sites in China are included as part of REVEAL-2, timelines would accelerate." VGX-3100 is also in phase 2 for vulvar lesions.
Maxim expects to see data from immuno-oncology studies either later in 2018 or in 2019. These include studies for INO-5401 in glioblastoma, MEDI0457 in head-and-neck cancer and INO-5150 in prostate cancer. INO-5401 is also in development for bladder cancer.
On the infectious disease front, McCarthy noted Inovio has vaccines in development for Zika, Ebola, HIV, MERS and Lassa. Maxim anticipates stockpiling vaccines could begin by 2020. "Pending the outcome of P2 studies of INO-4500 (Lassa) and INO-4700 (MERS) through the partnership with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), these two vaccines could ultimately gain government stockpiling contracts and be the first revenue generating vaccines for Inovio," McCarthy stated.
The analyst also noted the company "has a strong balance sheet," reporting "2Q18 with revenue of $24.4M (grants, collaborations) and a net loss of $6.6M. The company ended the period with $95.6M in cash on the balance sheet."
Maxim has a Buy rating on Inovio and a target price of $8 per share. The stock is currently trading at around $4.44.
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Disclosures from Maxim Group, Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc., August 8, 2018
I, Jason McCarthy, Ph.D., attest that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject security and issuer. Furthermore, no part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation or views expressed in this research report.
I, Caroline Palomeque, attest that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject security and issuer. Furthermore, no part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation or views expressed in this research report.
The research analyst(s) primarily responsible for the preparation of this research report have received compensation based upon various factors, including the firm's total revenues, a portion of which is generated by investment banking activities.
Maxim Group makes a market in Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Maxim Group managed/co-managed/acted as placement agent for an offering of the securities for Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the past 12 months.
Maxim Group received compensation for investment banking services from Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the past 12 months.
Maxim Group expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the next 3 months.
