NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[hoffmann6383]

Zoom Presentation today by British Neuro Oncology Society on Novel Treatments (TTF & DCVax-L presented during same time slot)

Bonus Attendee: Les Goldman with his camera turned on!

This presentation was recorded and eventually a recorded version will be released. TTF and DCVax-L presented at the same time.

TTF:

Direct quotes from the slides:

Expensive. Evaluated for cost effectiveness by NICE and found to not be as cost effective as other treatments.

Currently not funded in the UK

Treatment costs have to be substantially lowered. Reduced manufacturer costs or competing devices need to drive down the cost of TTF in the future.

DCVax-L

I screenshotted about 14 slides. We have seen it all before so I'm not going to repost here.

Q&A Session

Dr. Ashkan was asked where they are at in the publication process. He answered with a big smile and essentially said (not a direct quote): The process has started, I can't tell you more than that, but he seemed to hint that it was in peer review.

Paul Grundy, BNOS president, was asked if he thinks these treatments should be available on the NHS and his answer (paraphrasing): As a specialists I want access, but you have to take a step back and look at it from a global manufacturing perspective. There is a pot of money in the UK. 2/3 of providers are running at deficits in the UK. There has to be judgments made at some stage as to how to responsibly fund these incredibly expensive novel treatments. Really difficult decisions. Need to understand bigger picture. Not enough money to fund all novel treatments. (emphasis added)

Paul Grundy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-grundy/?originalSubdomain=uk

Dr. Ashkan on freezing tumor samples (paraphrasing): Everyone should freeze samples at -80.

Dr. Ashkan regarding costs of treatments (paraphrasing): Costs always comes down with volume with usage of any product. Part of the reason it is currently expensive is their limited use. Increased production will lower costs. The NHS should have a longer term view of the costs.

Paul Grundy (paraphrasing random comment): Want to get to the point where everyone is collecting fresh frozen tissue, not just for DCVax.

My take:

Manufacturing is hugely important. Automated manufacturing at scale is the only way we get NHS reimbursement approval. Also, Dr. Ashkan is a boss. You can tell he is extremely bright and knowledgeable and lets his thoughts be known.