Replies to post #666838 on NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[The Danish Dude]

What is LAVA-1207

LAVA-1207 is a novel bispecific gamma delta T cell engager (Gammabody) that is currently being investigated for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). It is designed to selectively activate V?9Vd2 T cells, a type of immune cell that can specifically recognize and kill cancer cells. LAVA-1207 does this by binding to two targets: prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is a protein that is overexpressed on the surface of most prostate cancer cells, and the Vd2-T cell receptor chain. This binding triggers the activation of V?9Vd2 T cells, which then attack and kill the PSMA-expressing cancer cells.

Early clinical trials of LAVA-1207 have shown promising results. In a Phase 1/2a trial, LAVA-1207 was well-tolerated and showed evidence of anti-tumor activity in patients with mCRPC. A Phase 2 trial is currently underway to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAVA-1207 in this patient population.

Here is a summary of the key features of LAVA-1207:

Mechanism of action: LAVA-1207 selectively activates V?9Vd2 T cells to kill PSMA-expressing cancer cells.
Targets: PSMA and the Vd2-T cell receptor chain.
Delivery: Intravenous infusion.
Clinical trial status: Phase 2 trial underway.
LAVA-1207 is a promising new therapy for mCRPC. If further clinical trials are successful, it could provide a much-needed treatment option for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.

Is this in anyway in competition with DCVax-L with regards to the tumors it attacks? Does it only specifically target two antigens?

Yes, LAVA-1207 and DCVax-L are both in development for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, they have different mechanisms of action and target different tumors.

LAVA-1207 is a bispecific gamma delta T cell engager (Gammabody), which means that it binds to two targets: prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and the Vd2-T cell receptor chain. This binding triggers the activation of V?9Vd2 T cells, which then attack and kill the PSMA-expressing cancer cells.

DCVax-L is a dendritic cell vaccine that is designed to train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. DCVax-L is made from dendritic cells, which are a type of immune cell that helps to present antigens to the immune system. The dendritic cells in DCVax-L are loaded with tumor proteins, which are then injected into the patient. The dendritic cells present these tumor proteins to the immune system, which then learns to recognize and attack the cancer cells.

As a result of their different mechanisms of action, LAVA-1207 and DCVax-L are not directly competitive. However, they could be used in combination therapy, as they target different aspects of the immune system.

LAVA-1207 specifically targets PSMA, which is a protein that is overexpressed on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. DCVax-L, on the other hand, targets a variety of tumor antigens. This means that DCVax-L could be effective against a wider range of tumors than LAVA-1207.

Overall, LAVA-1207 and DCVax-L are both promising new therapies for prostate cancer. They have different mechanisms of action and target different tumors, but they could be used in combination therapy to improve the treatment of this aggressive form of cancer.

With todays press release regarding AVA Therapeutics Announcing Collaboration with Merck & Co, when would you believe LAVA-1207 could be approved?

Based on the current information and the collaboration between LAVA Therapeutics and Merck, it is difficult to predict when LAVA-1207 will be approved. However, the fact that Merck is providing pembrolizumab for the dose escalation and expansion phases of the ongoing Phase 1/2a study suggests that the company is optimistic about the drug's potential. If the combination arm shows promising results in the Phase 1/2a study, LAVA Therapeutics may be able to move LAVA-1207 into Phase 3 clinical trials more quickly. This could shorten the overall timeline for approval, potentially leading to FDA approval in as little as 3-5 years.

However, there are several factors that could affect the approval timeline, such as the drug's safety profile, efficacy, and potential for manufacturing problems. Additionally, the FDA may require additional clinical trials or data before approving the drug. As a result, it is important to note that the timeline for approval is uncertain and could be longer than 3-5 years.

According to the FDA, the average time it takes to approve a new drug is between 6 and 7 years. However, some drugs have been approved in as little as 3 years, while others have taken longer than 10 years. The timeline for approval can vary depending on the drug's development, the complexity of the clinical trials, and the FDA's review process.

[DJPele]

Merck actively making deals with every other company in the world except for NWBO. You would think we would be the first prospect due to our technology.