NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[Smokey21]

I find this one of the more interesting things in the patent document:

"It was hypothesized that anti-tumor response promoted by the vaccination treatment is mitigated by PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in the tumor microenvironment. There was a significant inhibitory myeloid population (Ly6C+) expressing PD-L1 present in tumors harvested from DC vaccine-treated mice that was not present in control mice. To evaluate this population, two additional therapies to control and DC-vaccine treatment were examined: anti-PD-1 mAb-treated and combination DC vaccine with anti-PD-1 mAb-treated groups. Spleen, lymph, and brain hemispheres harvested for processing on day 16 post-implant (72 h after second treatment). It was noted significant activated cytotoxic TILs and lymph nodes of DC vaccine/anti-PD-1 treated mice. While the inhibitory myeloid population persisted in the DC vaccine/anti-PD-1 treated mice, it was significantly reduced when compared to DC vaccine treatment alone. In anti-PD-1 mice, it was not significantly detectable. To evaluate therapeutic benefit, mice were implanted, treated, and monitored for survival. Combination DC vaccine/anti-PD-1 treatment showed significant survival benefit over other groups."

So, what have we seen in 68% of the patients in the DIRECT phase I? That's right, the same thing they saw in mice.. PD-L1 expression. So, stands to reason that the same survival benefit would be seen in human trials. And they knew enough to patent this, so they are protected once again from BP stealing their IP in collaboration with them. Seems to me, they hold the keys and BP will have to go along for the ride with them.