NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[forumreader35]

Good stuff Flipper,

It would seem they are patenting the use of IL-6, -8, -12 and/ or TNFa as markers of sufficiently matured dendritic cells (without need of comparison of immature); versus patent examiner earlier rejected as a comparison for matured vs immatured via IL-8, -12 as markers only

Strength of this would be in whether having these 4 markers analyzed, specifically, is the best bet or another combination is just as sufficient (i.e. there were supposedly 15 markers that can help predict). One would think Northwest picked the best/ most predictive for consistent outcome (that matured dendritic cells in this way were linked with good patient outcome). The fact they are patenting this analysis is great for Direct in that they can optimize for response in future trials (similar benefit of a PD-L1 test prior to PD-1 treatment) - if matured cells in this manner more likely patient's immune system properly trained by their dendritic cells to attack tumor.