NetScientific PLC (AIM:NSCI) has noted that portfolio company PDS Biotechnology has completed enrolment for the next stage of its VERSATILE-002 head and neck cancer study.
VERSATILE-002 is a Phase 2, open-label, multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of PDS drug 0101 in combination with Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
This latest study involves two groups of patients with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer that has returned or spread.
The first group has not been previously treated with a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI naïve) while the second has failed treatments including checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CPI refractory).
In a statement, Lauren Wood, PDS’ chief medical officer, said: “This important milestone follows continued positive progress with the Phase 2 study, including data presented at ASCO 2022.
"Currently, there are no approved therapies for CPI refractory head and neck cancer, with patients typically surviving less than a year.
“Our intent with VERSATILE-002 is to investigate the potential contribution that PDS0101 may have in improving the lives of patients with advanced head and neck cancer."