Replies to post #715797 on NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[Doc logic]

I should have clarified more. DCVax is a vaccine that identifies targets and presents them to T-cells which then go on the hunt for those targets. The problem is that many of the remaining targets in the tumor bed or small clusters of cells forming metastasis are hiding and need to be exposed better. Methylated status keeps targets exposed longer and unmethylated much less time. By the time L is given a chance to work, many cancer cells are hiding again or are not susceptible to chemo/rad. Antibody drug conjugates will be theoretically safer than chemo/rad and keep targets exposed at the right time for L activated T-cells to identify their targets more easily. Direct can do all this on its own for the most part but if it does need help, this might be where it comes from, at least that’s what big pharma hopes for anyway; ). Best wishes.

[kabunushi]

excellent explanation docL. You are erudite and eloquent!

[dmb2]

Doc logic, a lot of very positive info here.
I think BP's are hoping they can gain access to DCVax as an inexpensive adjuvant to be combined with their IP protected agents. It will be up to NWBO to force a different future for the platform via aggressive, elucidated development strategy and steps. They have done a good job creating an IP matrix of mfg methods and combo treatments but these particular protections are not without weaknesses, though I do believe the FlaskWorks defenses are formidable, given what it will take to develop alternatives.
When DCVax-L gets approved for r and nGBM by MHRA shortly it is up to NWBO to change the pace of their development and hence the success of the DCVax platform. If DCVax-L also gets approved for grade III and IV gliomas it will make an even bolder statement on multiple levels, in oncology practice and in financial markets.
If NWBO can gain major funding either through an independent group or more likely through just 1 BP partnership I think it will make all the difference in the oncology market. The elongated development timeline for DCVax-L for GBM cannot be repeated. I agree with you about BP assuming it will be repeated for Direct. It is up to NWBO to ensure DCVax does not become a niche oncology therapy but rather a major player with broad therapeutic goals, which are more than reasonable given the results in ultra-lethal GBM. Oncology physicians will understand the value of the platform but that alone is not sufficient. NWBO has to ignite the market clamor. The platform is right, the leadership team will need additional strength and I believe there is a vision and a plan which will be announced shortly with/after approval. I think MHRA approval and NWBO platform development plans will create opportunities,

GLTA

[ATLnsider]

Thanks Doc logic. Unfortunately, I see ADCs as a last ditch effort by Big Pharma (BP) to keep treating cancer patients with highly toxic chemo.

ADCs, in theory, are a more precise and targeted form of delivering chemo, and should be less toxic to healthy cells. But, they come with a long list of toxic side-effects, similar to traditional chemo.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/antibody-drug-conjugates

As you know, the ADCs only target 1 or 2 tumor associated antigens (TAAs), biomarkers or genes, that are over-expressed in specific cancers.

On the other hand, DCVax targets all of the cancer patients’s TAAs, biomarkers, and genes, that are over-expressed on solid tumor cancer patient’s tumors. Unlike ADCs, DCVax helps to ensure that the cancer does not escape.

In my opinion, ADCs, and traditional chemo, weakens a cancer patient’s immune system, and reduces the effectiveness of true immunotherapy, like DCVax. It also lessens the body’s ability to fight cancer, and prevents a patient from being truly cured.

Unfortunately, chemo is very profitable for BP. They will fight “tooth and nail” to hold on to these profits. Curing cancer patients is not as profitable.