CASS COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting two measles cases in Cass County, bringing the state’s total to 11 cases in 2025
According to the HHS, both individuals were unvaccinated and acquired measles through international travel. One individual is hospitalized. The two cases in Cass County are not related to cases in Williams County.
Members of the public who were present at the following Cass County locations during specific dates and times may have been exposed.
Exposure locations:
Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic (3150 Sheyenne St., Ste. 240, West Fargo, ND) on May 7 between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The east entrance to the clinic is shared with the Bar Down Sports Bar and Restaurant.
Essentia Health Walk-in Care – 52nd Avenue (4110 51st Ave. S, Fargo, ND) on May 9 between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
HHS, in coordination with Essentia Health, is identifying individuals who may have been exposed. Exposed individuals who were vaccinated don’t need to quarantine but should still monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Individuals who have not received a dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine should quarantine (stay home) and monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
“The MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses,” said Molly Howell, HHS immunization director. “People who are vaccinated and exposed to measles are not likely to develop the disease. MMR vaccination is critical to preventing the spread of measles in the community. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to contact a trusted health care provider about MMR vaccination.”
A novel health-assessment tool uses eight metrics derived from a person’s physical exam and routine lab tests to characterize biological age. It may be able to predict a person’s risk of disability and death better than current health predictors.
University of Washington School of Medicine researchers describe their method in a May 5 Nature Communications paper.
The method, called the Health Octo Tool, might make it possible to identify new factors that affect aging, and to design interventions that prolong life, said the report’s first author, Dr. Shabnam Salimi. She is a physician-scientist and acting instructor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine. She is also an investigator at the UW Medicine Healthy Aging & Longevity Research Institute
Current health-assessment methods focus on the effects of individual diseases but fail to consider the interactions among diseases and the impact of minor disorders on overall health, Salimi said.
“An aging-based framework offers a new path to discover biomarkers and therapeutics that target organ-specific or whole-body aging, rather than individual diseases,” Salimi said.
The approach is based on a concept of aging called “health entropy.” The term applies to the amount of molecular and cellular damage the body has accumulated over time, and how that damage has affected organ and system function. Thus, health entropy could serve as a measure of an individual’s overall physical well-being and be translated to describe a person’s pace of aging.
The researchers analyzed data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging, one of the longest-running studies of adults as they grow older. The data included participants’ medical history and the results of their physical exams and medical tests. To validate their new approach, researchers then analyzed the results of two other large studies that traced the health of more than 45,000 adults.
The researchers began by establishing what they called a Body Organ Disease Number. This was based on the number of organ systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems, that were affected by disease and whether the individual had experienced cancer or a stroke. This score could range from 1 to 14.
“Our findings demonstrated that organ systems age at different rates, prompting us to develop a Bodily System-Specific Age metric to reflect the aging rate of each organ system and the Bodily-Specific Clock to represent each organ system’s intrinsic biological age,” Salimi said. “Extending this concept to the whole body, we define the Body Clock as a composite measure of overall intrinsic age and Body Age as the corresponding rate of aging.”
Because not all people of the same biological age experience the same functional decline, the researchers also developed what they called a Speed-Body Clock and Speed-Body Age to describe how biological age affects walking speed, a common measure of function in older people. They also created a Disability-Body Clock and Disability Body Age, to gauge how intrinsic aging affects the risk of cognitive and physical disability.
“Collectively, these eight metrics—Body Clock, Body Age, system-specific clocks and rates, Speed- and Disability-based clocks—offer a way to view an individual’s aging process with information gathered from their medical history, physical exam and test results alone,” Salimi said.
Of particular interest was the finding that some conditions that might be considered minor problems, such as untreated hypertension early in life, can have a major effect on aging later, indicating that early treatment of these conditions might have a big impact, Salimi said.
The research team is now developing a digital application that will allow individuals, with their health care providers, to determine their body and organ’s biological ages and track their rate of aging and assess the effect of lifestyle changes and treatments.
“Whether someone is adopting a new diet, exercise routine or taking longevity-targeting drugs, they will be able to visualize how their body—and each organ system—is responding,” she said.
Daniel Raftery, professor of anesthesiology and pain medicine at the UW School of Medicine and director of the Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, and Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director of the National Institute on Aging, are the senior co-authors of the paper.
Roche’s exposure to the tariffs is mostly limited to four medicines, three of which it already produces in the U.S., according to CEO Thomas Schinecker, who declined to reveal what these assets are. Roche is confident that it will be able to absorb financial impacts from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but dealmaking may go by the wayside as the industry awaits the true impact of the import taxes.
In a media call after releasing first-quarter earnings on Tuesday, CEO Thomas Schinecker said that the pharma has been working to ensure that it is “well-positioned as a company [for] whatever may come our way.”
According to Schinecker, just four of Roche’s assets account for some 90% of the company’s exposure to possible tariffs. Three of these are produced in the U.S., the CEO continued, adding that Roche has already “increased the volume of manufacturing” of these medicines domestically. Meanwhile, the company began tech transfer for the final drug “weeks ago,” with an eye toward producing it in the U.S. as well.
Schinecker declined to identify what these four assets were.
Still, Schinecker expects that tariffs will have some appreciable impact on its business, particularly in terms of dealmaking. While Roche will “continue to look at the science” for its deals, it will also consider whether or not they “make financial sense.”
“If there are questions around tariffs, it will be more difficult to make financial sense of any M&A deals,” Schinecker said during the call, adding that in such a climate, parties across the industry and worldwide might slow down dealmaking to “see how things develop.”
On Tuesday, Roche unveiled a $50 billion package meant to expand its U.S. footprint. With this money, the company will construct a slew of new facilities, including a new gene therapy facility in Pennsylvania and two new production plants, one for its glucose monitors and the other for next-generation weight-loss products.
With these preparations, Roche is “in a very, very good position compared to many, many other companies” in terms of weathering the tariffs, Schinecker said.
Roche is also matching its manufacturing push in the U.S. with similar commitments to other countries, Schinecker explained during the call. “We’re actually investing in China to build up manufacturing there,” he said, adding that the pharma is also “continuously investing in other parts of the world.”
“Over the past years it’s really been our strategy to make sure that we have strong manufacturing presence in all of the major markets” worldwide, Schinecker said. Bolstering these investments, he added, are ongoing “discussions” with “governments around the world”—particularly in China, the U.S. and Europe—with the goal of mitigating the impacts of tariffs on Roche’s business. Schinecker declined to go into detail regarding these talks.
In the first three months of 2025, Roche reported a 6% year-on-year increase in worldwide sales to CHF 15.4 billion ($18.7 billion). This growth was driven primarily by its pharmaceutical business, which surged 8% from the same period the year prior, earning nearly CHF 11.95 billion ($14.46 billion). The company’s main growth drivers include the breast cancer drug Phesgo, the eye injection Vabysmo and the anti-allergy medication Xolair.
Notably, despite the threat of tariffs, Roche confirmed its outlook for 2025, expecting a mid-single-digit growth to its sales.
How BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE:BIOV) (OTC:BVAXF) (FR:5LB) Swooped in to Acquire a Promising Biotech Asset with Multi-Billion-Dollar Potential and Over $300M in R&D Already Spent on it for Less Than a Million Dollars.
Imagine finding a hidden treasure in an old attic, a painting thought to be worth a little but actually a masterpiece worth millions. This happened in real life with a painting by Rembrandt, a famous artist, which was first thought to be worth $15,000, only to be sold for almost $14 million—a 93x return![1]
This story is like a hint for smart investors: sometimes, what looks ordinary at first can turn out to be incredibly valuable.
Just like treasure hunters, some smart companies look for hidden gems in businesses that are having a tough time, where they can find what are known as ‘distressed assets’.
They seek to find something special that everyone else missed, buy it for a steep discount, and then repackage or rejuvenate it, turning it into something amazing that makes a huge profit.
You’ve probably already heard of some of these, but didn’t know how successful they actually turned out to be. Here are some more prominent examples:
Converse – Back in 2003, the historically significant shoemakers filed for bankruptcy, only for shoe giant Nike to swoop in and pay $305 million[2] to resurrect the brand. Nike has made billions in revenue from Converse over the years since, earning +$2.4 billion from the brand in 2023 alone[3].
Hostess – In 2012, the Twinkies baker announced it was liquidating its assets after a labor dispute. By July 2013, astute businessman Daren Metropoulos and his group pursued and acquired Hostess for $410 million[4] en route to the “sweetest comeback in the history of ever”[5]. Within just two years, the business was rehabilitated and produced a $2 billion gain[6]. By late 2023, the enterprise was sold again for ~$5.6 billion[7].
Marvel – In 1996, the comic book titan filed for bankruptcy, which sparked a billionaire vs billionaire feud between Ronald Perelman and Carl Icahn, only for action-figure company Toy Biz to swoop in and save the brand, paying $280 million[8]. This masterstroke would go on to attract a sale to Disney for $4 billion in 2009[9]. And of course, Disney would go on to make more than $30 billion in global box office off of movies alone[10].
But in each of these cases, the buyers each still had to put up hundreds of millions of dollars for these valuable assets, to turn them into multi-billion-dollar assets.
What if someone were to find an asset with multi-billion-dollar potential, and snap it up for less than $1 million, and get it over the finish line?
One such example is happening RIGHT NOW in the biotech sector, with all the makings of what could become the BIGGEST asset-rescue deal in the industry’s history.
Enter BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE:BIOV) (OTC:BVAXF) (FR:5LB), a junior biotech company that just pulled off a masterful acquisition of a technology platform called DPX™, that has already had over $300M of R&D invested into it, and could potentially become worth billions.
Savvy biotech firm BioVaxys made a move that could change lives and reward investors. They saw a chance with DPX™, a medical tech with huge potential.
While the original creators, despite a strong start, nearly reaching a billion-dollar market cap, and spending hundreds of millions on R&D, didn’t succeed, BioVaxys saw a diamond in the rough.
They didn’t just buy the tech; they got all the research and patents too. Now, BioVaxys is ready to finish what was started, to make DPX™ a name in health care. This deal is more than a purchase—it’s a step toward new treatments for people everywhere.
This move by BioVaxys is big news for anyone looking for smart investment chances. They’ve got a plan to make DPX™ shine, bringing new hope to medicine and possibly big returns for those who see the promise in their bold step.
Top 10 Reasons Why Investors Should Pay Close Attention to BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE:BIOV) (OTC:BVAXF) (FR:5LB) :
Strategic Cost-Efficient Acquisition: At a cost well below its developmental value, BioVaxys acquired DPX™, a technology platform with significant prior investment in research and development, showcasing the company’s ability to identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities.
Significant R&D Foundation: Over $300M has already been spent on developing DPX™, meaning BioVaxys is building upon a substantial foundation of research.
Potential for Breakthrough: Based on solid scientific research and supporting clinical data, DPX™ has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and vaccine development, representing a breakthrough in medical technology.
Unmet Medical Needs: With a focus on conditions that currently have few effective treatments, BioVaxys is targeting a critical gap in the healthcare market.
Market Opportunity: The fields of cancer treatment and vaccine development are high-value markets with growing demand, suggesting a significant opportunity for BioVaxys.
Expertise and Vision: The acquisition demonstrates BioVaxys’s expertise and vision in recognizing undervalued assets with potential.
Public Health Impact: If successful, DPX™ could have a global impact on health care, positioning BioVaxys as a leader in the biotech sector against cancer, allergies, and infectious diseases.
Patent Portfolio: The deal includes a substantial patent library, which could offer competitive advantages and opportunities for additional revenue streams through licensing.
Revitalizing Potential: BioVaxys aims to revitalize and advance DPX™, indicating a commitment to innovation and value creation.
Potential Partnerships: BioVaxys’s DPX™ platform could attract partnership opportunities with larger pharmaceutical companies, which can offer additional expertise and resources.
Discover DPX™: The Next Frontier in Immunotherapy
DPX™ stands out in today’s medical world. It’s a special kind of technology that teaches the body to fight cancer and disease, and presents a big chance to help people.
BioVaxys sees how great DPX™ can be. They’re ready to bring it back, like a phoenix rising up. They’re not starting over—there’s already over $300 million of research behind DPX™.
DPX™ is unique because it’s made to train the immune system very carefully. It goes after the real problems causing the disease, not just the symptoms. It could make people’s health better for a long time.
Everyone should now be looking very seriously at BioVaxys, as it begins to breathe new life into DPX™. People who invest money, doctors, and patients want to see what DPX™ can do. With BioVaxys leading, DPX™’s journey is about new starts, big chances, and changing how we treat tough diseases.
Seemingly Endless Possibilities
The DPX™ platform, with its robust and flexible design, could revolutionize future vaccine and therapeutic developments beyond its current applications. Envisioned as a versatile carrier, it has the potential to deliver not only proteins and peptides, but also mRNA, opening avenues for rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.
Furthermore, its adaptability could extend to treatments for chronic immune system conditions, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, harnessing the body’s immune system in precise, targeted ways. This broad potential positions DPX™ as a key player in the next generation of immunotherapies, offering hope for more effective, personalized medical solutions.
Before its transition, IMV engaged in several clinical studies leveraging the DPX™ platform, aiming to address a range of health issues, from cancer treatments to infectious diseases, showcasing the platform’s versatility and potential in immunotherapy. These studies were pivotal in demonstrating DPX™’s efficacy and safety across various medical applications.
List of IMV’s Clinical Studies:
DPX™-Survivac™: Targeting ovarian and other cancers
DPX™-RSV: Focused on Respiratory Syncytial Virus
DPX™-COVID-19: Vaccine candidate against COVID-19
Collaborative studies in infectious diseases with renowned institutions
This snapshot (captured from an archive of the IMV website[11]) highlights DPX™’s journey through clinical trials, underscoring its broad applicability in advancing medical science.
Case Study: Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery
In a world where breakthroughs can redefine the future, Acuitas Therapeutics emerged as an unsung hero in the fight against COVID-19[12]. Specializing in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems, Acuitas played a critical role in the success of mRNA vaccines.
Their technology enabled the safe and effective transport of mRNA into cells, marking a pivotal moment in vaccine development and distribution.
The lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology, crucial for the success of mRNA vaccines, particularly in the fight against COVID-19, has connections to both Acuitas Therapeutics and Arbutus Biopharma. This situation stems from a complex background of development and licensing agreements in the biotech industry.
Arbutus Biopharma originally developed a range of LNP technologies, which have been instrumental in advancing RNA-based therapies. Acuitas Therapeutics, on the other hand, specializes in the development and application of these LNP delivery systems for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. There has been some contention and legal disputes between Acuitas and Arbutus over the rights to use certain LNP technologies, especially in the context of COVID-19 vaccines[13].
Acuitas went on to partner with majors such as Pfizer[14] showcasing the power of collaboration, marrying innovative technology with pharmaceutical expertise to deliver a global solution in record time. This strategic alliance not only accelerated the vaccine’s arrival but also spotlighted Acuitas’s technology, setting a new standard in therapeutic delivery.
Now, imagine a similar story unfolding with BioVaxys. With its DPX™ platform, BioVaxys holds the keys to a new realm of possibilities in immunotherapy and vaccine development. Like Acuitas, BioVaxys has the potential to revolutionize healthcare through strategic partnerships and innovation. The DPX™ platform, with its unique delivery mechanism, could become as integral to future treatments as LNP technology has been to mRNA vaccines.
As we look to the future, BioVaxys’s journey could mirror that of Acuitas, transforming the DPX™ platform into a cornerstone of medical innovation. With the right collaborations and continued investment in research, BioVaxys stands on the brink of writing its own success story, potentially surpassing the achievements of Acuitas by broadening the scope of diseases targeted and improving the efficacy of treatments. The story of Acuitas serves not just as inspiration but as a blueprint for what BioVaxys could achieve, highlighting the boundless potential of merging pioneering technology with visionary strategy.
Quick Recap: Why BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE:BIOV) (OTC:BVAXF) (FR:5LB) Should Be On Your Radar:
Smart Buy: BioVaxys secured DPX™ for much less than its research value, showing their knack for spotting and seizing smart opportunities.
Established Research: BioVaxys builds on the extensive $300M+ research groundwork already laid for DPX™.
Innovation Potential: DPX™ stands on the brink of changing cancer and vaccine science based on robust research.
Healthcare Gap: BioVaxys targets crucial healthcare needs that are currently underserved.
Lucrative Markets: The company enters the high-value arenas of cancer and vaccine markets, poised for growth.
Strategic Insight: The acquisition underscores BioVaxys’s strategic acumen in identifying high-potential assets.
Health Impact: Success with DPX™ could place BioVaxys at the forefront of global healthcare solutions.
Patent Strength: A strong patent collection from the deal may provide a competitive edge and new revenue paths.
Renewed Momentum: BioVaxys is set to propel DPX™ forward, emphasizing their commitment to unlocking hidden value.
Collaborative Prospects: The DPX™ platform’s potential may draw collaborations with pharma giants, bringing in more expertise and capital.
DPX™ platform technology, BioVaxys stands at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time, including cancer, allergies and infectious diseases like COVID-19 and RSV.
The company’s approach, leveraging the power of the immune system through targeted delivery mechanisms, is not only ground breaking but also offers the potential for scalable and effective solutions. As the world continues to grapple with health crises, the work of BioVaxys could prove instrumental in shaping the next generation of medical treatments.
Stay informed about all the latest advancements and updates from BioVaxys Technology Corp. by clicking here.
USA News Group
Editorial Staff
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BriaCell Announces Positive End of Phase II Meeting with the FDA for Bria-IMT™ Combination in Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer – Read More…
BriaCell Therapeutics Receives Buy Rating from Analyst – Read More…
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Dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with cancer with limited therapy options by developing novel immunotherapies to fight cancer. Immunotherapies have become the forefront of the cancer treatments because they use the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells, offer the potential for higher levels of safety and efficacy than chemotherapy, and may also prevent cancer recurrence.
A significant medical breakthrough is sorely needed in the fight against breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.1 million women in the United States have a history of invasive breast cancer.
And breast cancer deaths are estimated to be more than 43,000 per year – making it the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
But there may be hope on the way in the near future.
One under-the-radar company, whose lead drug candidate was awarded Fast Track status by the FDA, appears to be on the verge of a massive disruption in cancer treatment.
That company is BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX), a clinical stage immunotherapy company developing treatments that boost the ability of the body’s own cancer-fighting cells to destroy cancerous tumors.
And they’re getting impressive results.
BriaCell Therapeutics Corp.’s mission is to develop novel immunotherapies to fight cancer. The company is dedicated to enhancing the lives of women with breast cancer who have limited therapy options.
Immunotherapies use the body’s own immune system to destroy cancer cells while offering the potential for higher levels of safety and efficacy than chemotherapy; and may also prevent cancer recurrence.
The company’s patented immunotherapy treatments have shown extraordinary potential, making it one of the more attractive high-upside biotech stocks for investors to consider in 2023.
6 Key Reasons Why BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) Appears to Offer Explosive Upside Potential in 2023
Key Reason #1: The company’s lead drug candidate, Bria-IMT™, has shown extraordinary potential to date and is advancing rapidly.
The company’s lead drug candidate, Bria-IMT™, was developed and characterized by a team of dedicated scientists and clinicians as a targeted immunotherapy being developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
Specifically, Bria-IMT™ is targeting advanced metastatic breast cancer – the cause of over 40,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
Bria-IMT™ was awarded Fast Track designation by the FDA. The Fast Track process is designed to, as the FDA puts it, “facilitate the development, and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need.”
In other words, it’s a way to get important new drugs reviewed and approved much faster…which can mean good news for patients as well as prospective investors.
About Bria-IMT™
Bria-IMT™ is a genetically engineered human breast cancer cell line with features of immune cells and is clinically used as a targeted immunotherapy.
Over four dozen patients treated to-date show robust responses to the treatment in selected sub-groups.
And the Phase I/IIa safety and efficacy study shows similar or superior results to other advanced or approved drugs when they were at a comparable stage.
Bria-IMT™ is now being tried in Part II of a Phase I/II trial in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Positive feedback from End of Phase II Meeting with FDA
In January 2023, BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) announced that it had received agreement and positive feedback from its End of Phase II meeting with the FDA regarding BriaCell’s lead clinical candidate, Bria-IMT™ in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor (under Fast Track designation), in advanced metastatic breast cancer.
BriaCell and the FDA have agreed on the primary end point – linked to patient survival – the essential elements of the study design, and the type of patients to be enrolled in BriaCell’s upcoming pivotal clinical study.
This pivotal registration study will be enrolling advanced metastatic breast cancer patients for whom no approved treatment options exist. Patient dosing should be able to start in the summer of 2023.
Moving directly into a pivotal study shortly after receiving Fast Track status has greatly advanced BriaCell’s lead clinical program timetable with the ultimate goal of commercializing its novel immunotherapy approach for women with no approved treatment options.
Combination regimen with Keytruda® shows positive results
70% of patients show positive results in combination with Incyte’s retifanlimab
One of the more remarkable results seen to date with Bria-IMT™ and retifanlimab showed the efficacy of the treatment in metastasis behind the patient’s eye, with a complete resolution of the tumor.
BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) enjoys a corporate collaboration and supply agreement with Incyte Corporation (Nasdaq: INCY).
Incyte Corporation is a massive, $16 billion market cap biopharmaceutical company with a history of developing – and acquiring – successful treatments and therapies.
BriaCell’s agreement with Incyte is focused on the selection of novel combinations for the treatment of advanced breast cancer along with the ongoing clinical study of BriaCell’s lead candidate, Bria-IMT™, with Incyte’s retifanlimab (Zynyz) for advanced breast cancer. Note that Zynyz was recently approved for the treatment of urothelial cancer.
As part of this agreement, BriaCell is evaluating combinations of novel therapeutics for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer. Incyte provides BriaCell with Zynyz in the ongoing combination study with Bria-IMT™.
The ongoing randomized Phase II trial of Bria-IMT™ plus Incyte’s retifanlimab has shown impressive results.
Of 12 patients recently tested, 70% showed either disease control or progression-free survival benefits vs. the last therapy used. And “better quality of life” and “less pain” were reported by many gravely ill advanced metastatic breast cancer patients.
This collaboration agreement with Incyte is a tremendous positive for BriaCell not only because of the results being achieved with the combination treatments…but also because this collaboration places BriaCell firmly on the radar of larger companies such as Incyte for future collaboration or potential acquisition.
Key Reason #3: Bria-OTS™ “Off-the-Shelf Personalized” immunotherapy is another of the many impressive treatment candidates in the company’s pipeline.
Recently awarded a patent by the USPTO, BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) is developing Bria-OTS™, the first “off-the-shelf” personalized immunotherapy for the treatment for advanced stage breast cancer.
Collaborating with the National Cancer Institute (part of NIH), the company believes its cellular immunotherapy is most effective when the patient’s HLA-type matches the Bria-IMT™ HLA-type.
BriaCell is engineering 15 unique HLA types (molecules) into four Bria-OTS™ cell lines, allowing for matching of over 99% of patients with advanced breast cancer.
This obviously greatly expands the potential market for the treatment, and BriaCell eventually plans to expand the technology behind Bria-OTS™ to different cancer types, with platform potential.
BriaCell expects to file an IND in the first half of 2023, and clinical studies should begin shortly after IND clearance. The company then expects to begin dosing patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer in a Phase I/II clinical trial in 2023.
While BriaCell’s focus to date has primarily been on Bria-IMT™ and Bria-OTS™, the company has a robust pipeline of additional drug candidates including potential treatments for melanoma, lung cancer and prostate cancer among others.
Key Reason #4: The biotech market can offer investors the potential to create outsized fortunes.
The biotech sector is one of the most intriguing areas of the market for profit-seekers, as the potential exists for both small and large companies to skyrocket in value.
Thanks to modern technology and innovation, new ways to treat and prevent diseases are being created that are not only saving lives…but also creating massive profit opportunities.
In 2022 alone, a number of biopharma stocks delivered triple-digit gains, including:
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RYTM) – this developer of therapeutics for treatment of rare genetic diseases of obesity soared 192% in 2022.
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDGL) – this clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company saw its shares skyrocket 243% in 2022. It’s worth highlighting that Madrigal’s Founder and Chief Medical Officer Rebecca Taub, M.D. is on BriaCell’s board of directors.
And Verona Pharma (Nasdaq: VRNA) – this developer of treatments for respiratory diseases vaulted 289% in 2022!
The potential to make a significant impact on a large population through novel treatments or vaccines is what makes the biotech sector so attractive to investors.
Few sectors can offer such promising prospects for exponential growth and significant returns.
Today, BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) offers investors one of the best ways to play the biotech market for maximum upside potential.
Key Reason #5: BriaCell appears to be significantly undervalued when compared to its peers.
The potential for rapid growth in valuation is higher in the biotech sector than perhaps any other.
Part of the reason why this potential exists is that often companies – even those with impressive treatments – can fly under Wall Street’s radar for an extended period of time.
In the case of BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX), investors considering the company today are looking at a company with a market capitalization just a fraction of that seen by its closest peers in the biotech space.
Take Allogene Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLO), for example. Allogene is a clinical stage immuno-oncology company that develops and commercializes genetically engineered allogeneic T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer.
Allogene Therapeutics has a similar number of treatments in its pipeline – with two in Phase II clinical trials – yet has a market cap more than six times greater than BriaCell Therapeutics.
The same goes for other peers, including Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FATE) with a market cap roughly five times greater than BriaCell’s…and Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: SANA) with a market cap six times greater than that of BriaCell.
As BriaCell Therapeutics continues to advance – and show strong results with its trials – it will gain an increasing amount of attention, increasing the likelihood of a surge in valuation and attracting the attention of larger biotech companies looking for potential buyout candidates.
An objective comparison of the company – and its current market cap – to its peers shows that, given the success the company has already demonstrated, BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) offers investors the potential for significant upside in the months ahead.
Key Reason #6: BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. is led by an expert drug development and financial team.
One of the most important keys to success when evaluating the potential for any biotech investment is the leadership team running the company.
Simply put, if the leadership team lacks experience in drug development…the chances for success are not great.
In the case of BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX), it’s important to note that the company’s clinical strategy team has been involved in 19 drug approvals.
The company’s President and CEO, Dr. William Williams is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in drug development, with 11 successful new drug applications and approvals with the FDA and other regulatory agencies.
William V. Williams, MD, FACP – President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Williams is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with over 35 years of industry and academic expertise, including significant clinical management in multinational pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Williams has served as BriaCell’s President & CEO since Nov 2016.
Giuseppe Del Priore, MD, MPH – Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Del Priore is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in research, drug development, and clinical trials management. Dr. Del Priore’s prior work experience includes serving as a biotech Chief Medical Officer, a National Director at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), plus faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, and New York University School of Medicine. He has been involved in 8 drug or device approvals.
Miguel A. Lopez-Lago, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer
Since 2000, Dr. Lopez-Lago has been working as a cancer scientist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York (MSKCC). Specifically, he has investigated various aspects of tumor biology, including the development of targeted therapies for Mesothelioma and the characterization of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis.
————————————————————————————————————————
Investor’s Summary:
BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX) is a clinical stage immunotherapy company developing treatments that boost the ability of the body’s own cancer-fighting cells to destroy cancerous tumors.
The company’s patented immunotherapy treatments have shown extraordinary potential, making it one of the more attractive high-upside biotech stocks for investors to consider in 2023.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Biotech-Insider.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. (“MIQ”). MIQ has been paid a fee for BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of BriaCell Therapeutics Corp., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by BriaCell Therapeutics Corp.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles.
While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) Has Put Out Historically Incredible Numbers in its Latest GOBLET Study Results, including a near TRIPLING of Objective Response (ORR) Rate, and a Statistically Unheard of Complete Response (CR) Rate—LEADING TO THE FDA GRANTING FAST TRACK DESIGNATION FOR PELAREOREP.
EDITOR’S NOTE* With Wall Street analyst coverage giving ONCY a price target of $15.00, these rock bottom prices you are currently seeing probably won’t last long – An earlier publication of this report saw a potential increase of 900% from its previous levels, prior to the beginning of what we believe will be a series of catalyst events on the horizon. NOW they’ve already begun with the FDA’s Fast Track Designation for pelareorep with pancreatic cancer. In the first day of trading after the Fast Track approval announcement, shares rose by 25%, showing that time is running out to get early positioning, so get positioned now! Take a look here: https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/oncy/analyst-research
We are getting closer and closer to downgrading pancreatic cancer from its reign as the highest mortality rate of all major cancers.[1]
Recently in the largest study of its kind (more than 10 million people),[2] researchers at the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford investigated known signs of pancreatic cancer[3] and discovered that it could potentially be diagnosed up to three years earlier—potentially increasing the chance of survival, and even making the disease curable if caught early enough.[4]
Now on top of this there’s even more promise coming from a potential therapy that’s delivered interim results from a Phase 1/2 study showing a 69% Objective Response Rate (ORR) in Pancreatic Cancer[5]—remarkably nearly triple the average ORR seen in historical control trials of another combination, which were only ~25%.[6]
As well, this new therapy achieved a Complete Response (CR), which in pancreatic cancer is almost UNHEARD OF. In a large historical control trial, there was a single CR in 861 patients, whereas this new therapy achieved a CR in just 13 patients—marking a significant potential 65x improvement over historical results!
The biotech company that developed this new therapy is Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC), with their proprietary flagship asset pelareorep, which recently received FDA Fast Track designation which could propel the company into near-term cashflow.
Longer-term trends in pancreatic cancer reported by NIH/National Cancer Institute in the 2022 Cancer report, included the greatest incidence rate increase in men was seen in pancreatic cancer, and had increased by 1.1% per year.[7]
Even though pancreatic cancer accounts for only 3% of new cancer diagnoses, it accounts for 8% of cancer deaths, and is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA for both men and women.[8]
However, there’s HOPE…
Within the NIH/National Cancer Institute’s report it also described pancreatic cancer’s survival improvements, with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors increased from 65.9% to 84.2% between 2001 and 2017, and for people diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinomas it increased from 24.0% to 36.7%. Five-year relative survival also increased between 2001 and 2013, from 43.4% to 65.2% for people with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and from 4.4% to 6.6% for people with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
While all these signs of optimism are coming together, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) is fully funded for a projected runway of key milestones to the end of 2023—including other forms of cancer.
All of these potential catalysts on the horizon have caused analyst firms—4 of 5 currently cited by NASDAQ—to make a STRONG BUY recommendation for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC), while they gave ONCY price targets that average $7.49 and run up to a high estimate of $15 per share, while Yahoo Finance is highlighting a 1-year target of $7.97, marking as high as a potential 594% increase over its current trading price of $2.16*.
(* – as of December 1, 2022)
Source: Yahoo! Finance
Source: NASDAQ.com
Source: Yahoo! Finance
As of November 28, 2022, the company has 5 firms with analysts giving ONCY coverage:[9]
Cannaccord Genuity
C. Wainwright
Leede Jones Gable Inc.
Maxim Group
RBC Capital Markets
Now let’s break down the numerous reasons why we see Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) as THE BEST WAY to invest in the challenging world of biotech in the fight against cancer, with a company that appears statistically positioned to make a huge impact on the industry.
Source: CNN Business
8 Reasons to Invest in Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) as a Cancer Battle Game Changer with PELAREOREP
Source: Yahoo! Finance
1 Pelareorep’s Big League Partnerships and Combos: Pelareorep’s potential has drawn a partnership with Adlai Nortye, co-development with Pfizer and Merck KGaA, as well as collaborations with SOLTI and Roche, as well as combinations in development with Merck & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Incyte.
2 Near TRIPLING of Objective Response Rate (ORR): Compared to historical control trials by Dr. Von Hoff titled Increased Survival in Pancreatic Cancer with nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine yielded only about 25% ORR, while Oncolytics Biotech’s flagship pelareorep’s ORR was reported at 69% in the pancreatic cancer cohort with patients achieving a complete or partial response.[10]
3 Achieved a Confirmed COMPLETE Response (CR): Also in the most recent results, pelareorep achieved a confirmed CR, which is almost unheard of, given that pelareorep achieved this with one of thirteen evaluable patients, while historical control trials only achieved one CR from a total of 861 patients—that’s a 7.7% rate vs a 0.12% rate, or a +6,500% (or 65x) improvement over the previous industry benchmark so far.
4 Fast Track Designation GRANTED: On December 1, 2022, Oncolytics Biotech announced that the FDA granted Fast Track Designation to pelareorep for use in combination with Roche’s anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab, and the chemotherapeutic agents gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, for the treatment of advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
5 Synergy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs): The ICI market is expected to exceed $55B by 2025[11], despite as few as 1 in 5 patients responding to ICI therapy[12]. Pelareorep has clinically demonstrated its ability to synergize with these ICIs, perhaps enhancing their effectiveness.
6 More Important Data to Come: Not only did Oncolytics Biotech present incredible data from its GOBLET study that led to its Fast Track designation, but there is also an upcoming catalyst expected in the first half of 2023 from its Phase 2 pelareorep-ICI combo trial in HR+/HER2- breast cancer to facilitate the asset’s advancement to a registrational study.
7 Strong Leadership Team: Proven Management Team and Board of Directors that combines over 150 years of experience in drug development and the biopharmaceutical industry, including a World Congress Pharma Executive of the Year award winner Chair of the Board.
8 Fully-Financed Through 2023 : As of September 30, 2022, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) has $32.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, which provides projected runway through key milestones to the end of 2023.
Pelareorep is an immunotherapeutic agent that generates an anti-tumor immune response, by training anti-cancer cells, while reversing immunosuppressive TMEs.
BREAST AND PANC: TWO LEGIT PATHS TO APPROVAL
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) has been clear in its objectives to target important segments, beginning with Breast Cancer, which is projected to reach US$55.27 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.1% along the way.[13]
But don’t discount the potential for pelareorep’s approval to treat pancreatic cancer BEFORE it gets to that stage with breast cancer.
Why?
Because pancreatic cancer is a much deadlier cancer with a much faster progression.
Currently with an 89% mortality rate within the first 5 years,[14] and a 99% mortality rate within five years for Stage IV pancreatic cancer, [15] diagnoses of this deadly form of cancer is a nearly automatic death sentence. Once pancreatic cancer has spread to other organs, surrounding lymph nodes, or other parts of the body, the average life expectancy is just 3-6 months.[16] For patients who are diagnosed before the tumor grows much or spreads, the average pancreatic cancer survival time is 3 to 3.5 years.[17]
In comparison, breast cancer diagnoses carry with them an average 5-year survival rate of 90% across all SEER stages.[18]
This means that it’s theoretically much easier to quantify efficacy and an improvement of survival in pancreatic cancer, as data collection is in a much, much smaller window.
For every month a patient outlives the average life expectancy in the pancreatic cancer cohort, the more quantifiable the potential impact a therapy’s use can be.
Which brings us to ONCY’s GOBLET study.
NOW FOR THE NEXT BIG CATALYST IN THE MAKING
Prior to the GOBLET study, the control benchmarks for success in pancreatic cancer came in the 2013 reference in the New England Journal of Medicine by Dr. Von Hoff, titled Increased Survival in Pancreatic Cancer with nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine.[19]
Why this study?
Because it fulfills the role of a historical control trial involving gemcitabine (gemzar) (Eli Lilly) plus nab-paclitaxel (Bristol-Myers Squibb).
How were the 2013 study’s results?
The median overall survival (OS) was 8.5 months for the combo vs 6.7 months for gemcitabine alone
The survival rate was 35% in the combo group vs 22% in the gemcitabine group alone at 1 year
9% vs 4% at 2 years
The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.5 months in the combo vs 3.7 months in the gemcitabine only group.
The response rate was 23% vs 7%
1 in 861 (0.12%) patients achieved a Complete Response (CR)
Those results were good enough to see the FDA approve nab-paclitaxel for use in combination with gemcitabine to treat patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in September of 2013.[20]
To recap, before it was approved, nab-paclitaxel:
Increased mean overall survival (OS) duration by 26.8%
Increased median progression free survival (PFS) duration by 48.6%
Increased 1-year survival rate by 59%
Increased 2-year survival rate by 125%
Increased response rate by 228.5%
Now, the GOBLET study is evaluating pelareorep in combination with Roche’s anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab and gemcitabine+nab-paclitaxel.
In late June, 2022, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) announced it had achieved success criteria for efficacy in the study’s pancreatic cancer cohort.[21]
NOW… we have the updated results from the phase 1/2 GOBLET study’s first-line advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cohort.
And they… were… FANTASTIC!
1 in 13 (7.7%) evaluable patients achieved a confirmed Complete Response (CR)
8 of 13 (61.5%) evaluable patients achieved a PR
2 of 13 (15.4%) evaluable patients achieved stable disease (SD)
9 of 13 (69.2%) evaluable patients achieved a response
The observed ORR of 69% is substantially higher than the average ORR of ~25% reported in historical control trials of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in pancreatic cancer[22],[23],[24],[25]
GOBLET’s PDAC cohort exceeded the protocol-specified success criterion for Stage 1 of ≥ 3/12 objective responses
The studied treatment combination has been well tolerated, with no safety concerns identified to date
A copy of the poster is available on the Posters & Publications page of Oncolytics’ website (LINK).
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
On December 1, 2022, Oncolytics Biotech proudly announced the FDA granted Fast Track Designation to pelareorep in combination with Roche’s anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab, and the chemotherapeutic agents gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, for the treatment of advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
“Receiving this Fast Track designation is an important accomplishment that speaks to the impressive response rate and the durability of the response in our PDAC study, and it also reflects the pressing need to improve upon the standard of care in this indication. With our core programs in breast and pancreatic cancer both nearing pivotal trials, and eligible for the Fast Track program’s numerous benefits, we believe we are at a crucial point in Oncolytics’ evolution and are excited for what’s ahead.”
– Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) has established a successful partnership with Adlai Nortye in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. As per the relationship, there is an upfront and milestone payments of up to $86.6 million, with $65 million tied to potential development expansion.
Perhaps most notable are the ongoing studies Oncolytics is performing with Pfizer, Merck KGaA, Incyte, and Roche. These involve checkpoint inhibitors, targeting metastatic breast cancer, early-stage breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and anal cancer.
BONUS CAR-T PROGRAM
When Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) sought out the perfect combination for its flagship pelareorep’s immunotherapy capabilities, it became more and more obvious that the company was destined to enter the CAR-T therapy field, which has been dubbed a breakthrough treatment for patients with certain types of blood cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia.
Pelareorep is a naturally derived, non-genetically engineered oncolytic virus that can be delivered intravenously and that preferentially infects cancer cells. This means that pelareorep attacks and kills cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. As the virus kills cancer cells, it alerts the body to the presence of these cells and activates the immune system against the tumor. Despite being a virus, pelareorep is not known to cause any disease has been shown to be safe in over one thousand patients.
CAR T cells, meanwhile, are created by drawing blood from a patient’s own body, separating the T-cells (which help produce an immune response and kill infected cells ), and genetically engineering them to produce receptors (chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs) on their surfaces.
It is thought that pelareorep will enhance the effect of CAR T-cell therapy because the virus alerts the immune system to the presence of cancer cells, which can be good at hiding from the immune system. Treating them with pelareorep exposes them, and signals CAR T-cells to mount an assault on the cancer.
For an extremely in-depth overview on what CAR T is and how it works, please watch this video located here:
THE BRAINTRUST BEHIND ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH
In order to take a proprietary biotech asset such as pelareorep through the trials along the road to approval, the entire process requires good stewardship. Thankfully, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) is in VERY capable hands, built upon experience among management and directors with several leaders in the sector such as Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GSK, Sanofi Pasteur, National Institutes of Health, Harvard Medical School, and Princeton University.
ONCY’s leadership team includes:
Co-Founder, Director, President & CEO– Matt Coffey, PhD, MBA
Dr. Coffey completed his doctorate degree in oncology at the University of Calgary with a focus on the oncolytic capabilities of the reovirus. The results from his research have been published in various respected scientific journals, including Science, Human Gene Therapy, and The EMBO Journal.
Head of Clinical Development and Operations – Thomas Heineman, MD, PhD
Dr. Heineman completed his medical degree and doctorate in Virology at the University of Chicago. His drug development experience spans more than 25 years including 15 years in the biopharmaceutical industry. He has held senior roles at GSK, were he led the clinical development of Shingrix, and at several biotechnology companies where his focus has been oncology and immuno-oncology. Dr. Heineman has led clinical programs in multiple oncology indications including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, B-cell lymphoma, glioblastoma and colorectal cancer.
Global Head of Business Development – Andrew de Guttadauro
de Guttadauro is +25-year biopharmaceutical commercialization and business development veteran, who’s held executive and senior-level positions at leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including as VP of Corporate Development at Vical supporting the execution of distribution agreements for Allovectin®, and a variety of positions at Amgen where he contributed to the success of Enbrel®, Aranesp®, and Epogen® before joining MedImmune to lead marketing efforts for the FluMist® inhaled influenza vaccine. He also served as Director of Strategy at Biogen Idec.
Chair of the Board – Wayne Pisano, MBA
Pisano was recognized as Pharma Executive of the Year by the World Vaccine Congress in 2010. He served as the President and CEO of VaxInnate, and has been a Board Member of Immunovaccine since 2011. He is the former president and CEO of Sanofi Pasteur, one of the largest vaccine companies in the world. He’s credited with driving Sanofi Pasteur’s leadership within the worldwide influenza market and capturing 50% of global sales.
The remaining leadership roles, Board of Directors, and Scientific Advisory Board consist of highly qualified members, with senior level experience with such companies and institutions as: Ernst & Young LLP, Nabisco, Hospital for Sick Children, Aptose Biosciences, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, National Cancer Institute-Frederick Cancer Research and DevelopmentCenter, GPC Biotech, Harvard Medical School, Princeton University, Massachusetts General Hospital, EMD Serono, Breast International Group (BIG), SOLTI – Breast Cancer Research Group, Amgen& BMS IO Network and more.
Director – Deborah M. Brown, B.Sc., M.B.A.
Brown is currently a Managing Partner at Accelera Canada, a specialty consultancy firm that assists emerging biopharma ventures in the United States and Europe with the development and implementation of Canadian market strategies. She held progressively senior roles at EMD Serono from 2000 to 2014, including Executive Vice President of Neuroimmunology for the company’s U.S. operations, and President and Managing Director of the company’s Canadian operations. In 2012, Brown was Chair of the National Pharmaceutical Organization (now Innovative Medicines Canada) and served on its Board of Directors from 2007 to 2014. She currently sits on the Boards of Life Sciences Ontario, the Strategic Executive Advisory Council for Canadian Cancer Trials Group, and her local SPCA.
Director – Bernd R. Seizinger, MD, PhD
Dr. Seizinger currently serves as chairman/board member in a number of public and private biotech companies in the U.S., Europe and Canada, including: Vaccibody, Oxford BioTherapeutics, Aprea, CryptoMedix, and BioInvent. Previously he was President & CEO of public oncology company GPC Biotech; VP Oncology Drug Discovery and – in parallel – VP Corporate and Academic Alliances at Bristol-Myers Squibb; and Executive VP and CSO, Genome Therapeutics. Prior to his corporate appointments, he held Senior Faculty positions at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital and Princeton University.
RECAP: 8 IMPORTANT POINTS for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC)
1 Big League Partnerships and Combos
2 Near TRIPLING of ORR
3 Confirmed CR
4 Fast Track Designation GRANTED
5 Synergy with ICIs
6 More Important Data to Come
7 Strong Leadership Team
8 Fully-Financed Through 2023
BEFORE YOU GO
Now that you’ve read this far, the case has been made strong enough for you to get into action.
With what we believe are catalysts events coming in the very near future, and with the data we’ve already seen, we believe THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME for smart investors to seriously follow the ongoing ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC. (NASDAQ:ONCY) (TSX:ONC) story.
So, do your own due diligence, and don’t forget to click here to sign up for email alerts to make sure you don’t miss out on any of ONCY’s news and milestones.
USA News Group
Editorial Staff
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. (“MIQ”). MIQ has been paid a fee for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at any time without any further notice. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material disseminated by MIQ has been approved by the above mentioned company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles.
While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.
The last 12 months have been nothing short of a whirlwind for ResMed. After finding itself scrambling to pick up the slack left in the wake of Philips’ massive respiratory device recall last June, it quickly saw its bank account swell to new proportions.
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) – the “Berkshire Hathaway of Tech-Enabled Healthcare” – Could Be the Next Giant Healthtech Conglomerate
When Warren Buffett first bought Berkshire Hathaway in 1962, it was nothing more than a struggling textile mill.
Today, it is a $600+ billion conglomerate juggernaut,[1] owning businesses ranging from insurance and utilities to railroads and chemicals.
Berkshire’s journey from humble mill to giant conglomerate is incredible. Unfortunately,the Berkshire of today is far too huge to generate the kind of returns that can truly change individual investors’ lives.
It has become “just another” blue-chip stock – and one that some think has come in late or missed the boat entirely on many disruptive technologies.
But there’s one fast-growing company that is in a position to have a profound impact on investor returns. It has learned from companies like Berkshire, incorporating what is arguably Berkshire’s greatest strength – its operating structure…
Where the holding company acts like a giant institutional investor, seeking out operating companies to invest in that can generate the highest ROI…
And letting these subsidiaries operate independently with minimal interference, while the holding company does what it does best – efficiently allocating capital.
But this company has learned from Berkshire’s mistakes – and even improved on its operating model.
What’s this company, you may ask? None other than WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF).
WELL firmly understands that technology is the future, and is committed to fully capitalizing on this wave…
Plus, it is only focused on acquiring companies within the multi-trillion-dollar healthcare sector, which allows it to generate powerful value-boosting synergies among its acquisitions (something that Berkshire does not focus on due to its divergent scope of investments).
And its biggest investor? Multi-billionaire Sir Li Ka-Shing – ranked the 43rd richest person in the world with a networth of $34.6 billion[2] and nicknamed “Superman Li” for his business prowess.
That’s why it could be no exaggeration to say that…
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) is the “Berkshire Hathaway of Tech-Enabled Healthcare” – and the Company Could Be on the Cusp of a Major Growth Spurt
Much like Berkshire started in the textile business, WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)began as a humble medical clinic operator.
And in just a few short years, it has grown to become a billion-dollar omni-channel company with 7 different healthcare business lines, including health clinics, electronic medical records (EMR), telehealth, digital apps, billing and cybersecurity…
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)owns 27 primary healthcare clinics in North America – the largest network in BC and the third-largest in Canada…
It operates a multi-national EMR business including its OSCAR Pro EMR asset, which is the third-largest EMR service provider in Canada (a $26.1 billion global market that’s expected to hit $39.4 billion within 5 years[3])…
Its leading Canadian telehealth service conducts thousands of patient visits daily using its software.
All this was done through disciplined and accretive acquisitions, with shareholder dilution always being carefully managed.
And although its stock has shot up by 313% since 2020[4]…
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) Remains Substantially Undervalued Compared to Its Peers…
Even though…
Its EBITDA already turned positive in the fourth quarter of 2020, with a 53% revenue growth for the year…
It’s just completed a major acquisition that would add approximately C$175 million in revenues and C$72 million in EBITDA to its earnings…
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)has 10 signed letters of intent that could add another C$100+ million to its annual revenues by the end of 2021…
And it’s planning a US IPO by the end of the year.
*Share Price and Market cap taken from Yahoo Finance on April 14, 2021
**This revenue figure is inclusive of the company’s recent (completed) acquisition of CRH Medical, estimated to be on a runrate basis based on consensus estimates.
When compared to others in the industry, WELL’s peer group trades at 10x to 20x revenue multiples, while WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)trades at an EV to sales multiple of just 5x.
This means that although the company is far from being a risky early-stage startup company…
It still has plenty of room to grow, particularly as it continues to ramp up its acquisitions…
Which could place WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)in the perfect risk-reward “sweet spot” for investors…
But this window of opportunity may be closing, as analysts expect its valuations to increase to a range more in line with its peers once the US IPO happens.
8 Reasons WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) Could Be the Healthtech Play of the Future
Multi-channel Capability: With healthcare clinics, EMR services, telehealth offerings, digital apps, and more, the company is truly multi-channel, multi-service, and omni-channel in nature – able to offer both in-person and digital solutions to patients, healthcare professionals, and clinics. This allows the company to not only benefit from all aspects of the healthcare industry, but also provides defensive diversification qualities.
Track Record of Accretive Acquisitions: WELL Health(TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)has a solid track record of buying profit-generating companies that can continually add value to its bottom line – all with carefully-controlled shareholder dilution. For instance, due to its acquisition of CRH Health, it is expected to experience 120% accretion to revenue and 800% accretion to EBITDA on a per share basis. However, shareholder dilution was limited to a mere 17%.
Value-Boosting Synergies Within Business Lines: Post-acquisition, the company also has multiple opportunities to add further value to its acquisitions via internal synergies within its business lines. For example, the company is planning to cross-sell its digital services to CRH Health’s network of over 3,000 Gastroenterologist physicians, which are currently generally digitally underserved.
Rapid Acquisition and Growth Strategy: Within the first three months of 2021 alone, WELL Health(TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)has already announced six acquisitions – one of which is a major US player. The company also has another 10 signed letters of intent that could add C$100+ million to annual revenues. Further, recent acquisition CRH Medical is itself a proven M&A player with a track record of 32 acquisitions and over 500 active deal targets.
Strong Investor Base: Multi-billionaire Li Ka-shing is a strategic investor in the company, among other institutional investors such as Manulife, CI Investments, Sentry Investments, Iconiq Capital, Fiera Capital, and the PenderFund Capital. Li Ka-shing and his partner personally led a C$302.5 million equity raise for the CRH Medical acquisition with their own investment of C$100M at an unprecedented 25% premium to market (based on the 5 day VWAP before announcement) – the additional C$202.5M came from the other institutional investors at the same premium.
Well Funded With a Strong Balance Sheet: WELL Health(TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) boasts C$87 million in cash as at end-2020 – with zero debt. Only recently did the company take on some debt as part of the CRH Medical acquisition. However, even said debt facility was obtained at highly cost-effective rates of between 1.5% to 3.25% depending on leverage ratios.
Future US IPO Listing: The company’s targeted US IPO in late 2021 will provide an additional cash infusion that it can use to turbocharge its acquisition strategy. Further, analysts also expect a US listing to push the company’s valuation upwards to a level more in line with its peers. WELL is grossly undervalued when compared against US comps.
Proven Management Team with Skin in the Game: WELL Health’s(TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)management team are all veterans of Tio Networks, a multichannel bill payment processor that was acquired by PayPal for C$304 million in 2017.[13] They’re also all heavily invested in the company, with the CEO personally investing approximately C$6 million in company stock – and never having sold a single share or taken a dollar of cash as salary thus far.
With all these factors in its favor, WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)is…
Well-Positioned to Capitalize on the Massive Digital Transformation Wave Sweeping Through the Healthcare Industry
The health crisis has accelerated digital transformation in all areas, and healthcare is no exception.
For proof of this, look no further than telehealth.
In 2019, research firm Fortune Business Insights[14] estimated the size of the global telehealth market at “only” $61.4 billion…
By 2027, it expects that number to hit $559.5 billion, a compound annual growth rate of over 25%. That’s an astounding growth rate that shows just how big the digital transformation opportunity in healthcare is.
Because although telehealth could soon be worth hundreds of billions, it’s still just one part of the larger digital transformation opportunity…
And WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) is strongly positioned to benefit from all aspects of this opportunity thanks to its multi-pronged approach to healthcare tech.
Beyond that, each new acquisition generates incremental opportunities for its existing subsidiaries, meaning the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Just like how…
WELL’s (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) Recent Acquisition of CRH Medical Could Soon Turn the Company into a North American Digital Health Powerhouse
CRH Medical is a major player in the US gastroenterology (GI) market, with 72 GI ambulatory service centers, 411 GI providers, and over 3,200 GI providers trained to use its products and services.
This alone is already enough to generate over C$175 million in annual revenues, with an incredible 26% free cash flow margin.
Yet as investment bank Eight Capital said in a recent research report[15]…
“CRH’s +72 clinic footprint remains digitally underpenetrated, providing a greenfield opportunity for cross-sell. We expect the introduction of a telehealth offering to optimize consumer reach and patient in- and outflow. Plans for the development of a GI-focused app will expand CRH’s reach, increase traffic to clinics, and push product sales.”
In other words, the additional C$175+ million in revenues – not to mention C$72 million in EBITDA and C$45 million in free cash flow – is just the beginning of CRH Medical’s potential…
Because once WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)integrates its digital health offerings with CRH Medical, it could be well on its way toward becoming the next North American digital health powerhouse.
Not to mention that CRH Medical is itself planning to swiftly expand its network and offerings through acquisitions (it has 500 active deal targets in its pipeline)…
Meaning the cross-sell synergies will have a powerful multiplier effect even years down the line.
The best part? All this was done with only a 17% shareholder dilution for Well Health’s (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)shareholders.
It’s all thanks to the support of the company’s strong investor base, who were all too happy to put in their money at a 25% market premium (investors in this round included every member of its board and most of its management team, including the CEO and CFO of the company)…
Because they realized that the CRH Medical acquisition puts WELL Health in a great position for a US listing…
A powerful catalyst that is widely expected to drive its valuations up toward the ranges offered by its peers.
But while much focus has been (rightfully) given toward the company’s CRH Medical acquisition…
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) Has Been Steadily Conquering the Digital Healthcare Industry, One Acquisition at a Time
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) is a diversified healthtech conglomerate that is rapidly making inroads in all aspects of digital health…
Just look at all of its businesses that it already has:
Like the $26.1 billion EMR market, an industry that is quickly growing as clinics scramble to digitize…
Because EMR is the “enterprise backbone” of a clinic, a system that manages everything from the backend database to the frontend point of sale…
Meaning clinics are unlikely to be able to remain competitive in the modern healthcare market for long without an EMR system.
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) is already the third-largest player in Canada for EMR…
Its main EMR offering – OSCAR Pro – is also open source, giving it greater versatility compared to its competitors. It has been a market share taker in Canada because of its strong interoperability with a large community of third-party app developers.
The company is also quickly adding to its EMR business line with other acquisitions, such as IntraHealth, an enterprise class EMR vendor with customers in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, it’s also transitioning clinics owned by newly-acquired subsidiaries over to its EMR platform – showing just how easily the company can generate internal synergies.
Another example is its acquisition of Silicon Valley – and Y Combinator-backed – company Circle Medical.
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)completed a majority stake investment in Circle Medical in November 2020.
Yet in the past four months, Circle Medical’s revenues have nearly doubled…
This highlights Well Health’s (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)specialty – strategically allocating capital to undervalued companies that are usually on the cusp of greater growth, which makes the company…
A Fast-Growing, Diversified, and Undervalued Healthtech Play With Multiple Catalysts on the Horizon
Investors looking to invest in the digital transformation that is happening in the trillion-dollar healthcare industry face a common dilemma…
The industry is so vast, with so many different sub-sectors (both B2B and B2C) that they may not even know where to start.
Even if they did know about the various sub-sectors, they would need to invest in many different companies to have a truly holistic and diversified exposure…
Or, they could choose to invest in the large multi-billion dollar health conglomerates – where most of the major returns have already been snatched up years ago by early investors.
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX:WELL) could be the answer to that dilemma…
It offers investors:
Diversified exposure to the entire tech-enabled healthcare market with a single investment…
Strong near-term growth opportunities thanks to multiple catalysts on the horizon – such as its expansion into the US from its CRH Medical acquisition plus its planned US IPO, as well as its 10 pending signed LOIs…
Long-term value from disciplined and accretive acquisitions that also benefit from internal synergies…
All at a price that analysts consider substantially undervalued.
So, instead of spending all that time and effort untangling the complex web that is healthtech, just to find a company that may or may not pan out…
Why not look at a company whose sole specialty is finding undervalued profit-generating companies across the entire healthtech spectrum, and then consolidating and modernizing them to create even more value?
In other words, why not let WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF)do the work for you?
There’s a reason the company was recognized as a TSX Venture 50 company for three years in a row[16]…
Plus, its management team’s track record speaks for itself.
WELL Health Technologies Corp.’s (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) Has a Management Team Consisting of Nothing but Proven Veterans
Hamed Shahbazi – Chairman & CEO
With over 20 years as a technology-focused operator, Shahbazi has a razor-sharp understanding of the intricacies of identifying opportunities and generating value in the sector. He was the founder of TIO Networks, originally a kiosk solution provider before Shahbazi transitioned it into a multichannel payment solution provider specializing in bill payments and other financial services. As a result, the company was acquired by PayPal in 2017 for C$304 million.
Shahbazi has extensive experience in strategic mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, both as an operator and board member, with more than a dozen successful transactions. He is also the Lead Independent Director for mediatech company BBTV Corp, as well as the owner and operator of Impactreneur Capital Corp, which has over a dozen investments in leading digital content, ehealth, insurtech, and other technology inspired companies.
Dr. Michael Frankel – Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Frankel has 29 years of experience as a general practitioner in the Lower Mainland, giving him a wealth of experience in the medical industry. But more than just being a doctor, Dr. Frankel is also a healthcare investor and businessman, owning and operating a portfolio of successful primary healthcare facilities. This gives him a deep understanding of what healthcare facilities are lacking and how they can be improved – a crucial piece of WELL Health’s (TSX:WELL) strategy.
Eva Fong, FCCA, CPA, CGA – Chief Financial Officer
As the VP in charge of corporate strategy and M&A at TIO Networks, Fong intimately understands the full lifecycle of M&A transactions, from prospecting to integration and regulatory compliance management.
Her 25 years of experience includes Fortune 500 public company management, M&A, corporate strategy development, risk and compliance, and finance and business shared services programs. She’s held senior leadership positions in various high-tech sectors including PayPal, TIO Networks, SAP, and 360networks, where she led business units and built best-in-class corporate culture.
Amir Javidan – Chief Operations Officer
In his over 15 years of experience as a technology and operations executive, Javidan has been involved in two successful exits. Most recently, he was the SVP of Operations for TIO Networks, overseeing its C$304 million buyout by PayPal. Before that, he was at Avigilon, an integrated cloud and AI-powered solutions company, where he helped scale the business from a “stealth mode” startup to a public company worth over C$1 billion. He also helped take its revenue to over C$100M in five years.
RECAP: 10 Reasons Investors Should Seriously Consider Adding WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL – OTC: WLYYF) to Their Portfolios
It is a multi-channel, multi-product healthtech conglomerate that has the capability to benefit from multiple areas of the industry
A proven track record of accretive acquisitions of profit-generating businesses – all with carefully controlled dilution
Internal synergies from cross-selling can further boost the value of its acquisitions
Rapid acquisition and growth strategy gives it strong potential in a lucrative industry
Significantly undervalued compared to its peers; for example, its peer group trades at 10x to 20x revenue multiples, while WELL trades at 5x EV to Sales multiple.
Planned US IPO listing is widely expected to bring its valuations to a range more in line with its peers
Strong investor base including multi-billionaire Li Ka Shing plus other institutional investors, all of whom have shown willingness to pump in capital to support acquisitions
Proven management team with skin in the game that have executed successful M&As and exits
Multiple business lines within the healthtech industry provides defensiveness plus a hybrid physical-virtual competitive moat
Already a significant player within multiple lucrative business lines (such as EMR and telehealth) but with plenty of room to grow remaining
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There are two types of healthcare companies that stand out as the biggest potential winners of 2021: companies that are able to produce a widely used vaccine or treatment for certain virus’, and resilient firms that held tough through the worst of 2020 and can benefit from a gradual return to normalcy.
Healthcare technology, commonly referred to as “healthtech,” refers to the use of technologies developed for the purpose of improving any and all aspects of the healthcare system. From telehealth to robotic-assisted surgery, our guide will walk you through what it is and how it’s being used.
Healthcare technology refers to any IT tools or software designed to boost hospital and administrative productivity, give new insights into medicines and treatments, or improve the overall quality of care provided. Today’s healthcare industry is a $2 trillion behemoth at a crossroads. Currently being weighed down by crushing costs and red tape, the industry is looking for ways to improve in nearly every imaginable area. That’s where healthtech comes in. Tech-infused tools are being integrated into every step of our healthcare experience to counteract two key trouble spots: quality and efficiency.
The way we purchase healthcare is becoming more accessible to a wider group of people through the insurance technology industry, sometimes called “insurtech.” Patient waiting times are declining and hospitals are more efficiently staffed thanks to artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Even surgical procedures and recovery times are being reduced thanks to ultra-precise robots that assist in surgeries and make some procedures less evasive.
This is a very broad sector that can go in many directions, for more information on this sector please enter your email address in the box provided on this page and we will be more than happy to let you know when more information becomes available.
One thing constant in this world is change. There are changes in every aspect of daily existence with new technological breakthroughs and advancements in knowledge every day. One of the industries that face many changes is biotechnology with constant research, tech improvements, and scientific discoveries. Imagine in the past century, babies born prematurely don’t have a fighting chance. But because of new knowledge and advancements in machines, babies as young as twenty-four weeks survive in high-tech NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) around the world.
In this field, all businesses, research institutions, and organizations that deal with the improvement of the quality of life of all organisms are taken into account. In terms of human health, this includes an understanding of diseases so mankind can benefit from the studies and research and fight against these health pandemics. Here are some of the top ten trends in biotechnology that the world should expect to see in the forthcoming 2021:
1. The Production of Personalized Medicine Thanks to Advancements in Genetics
With the research industry becoming more expansive, many scientists and field experts discover a lot of things discover conditions that are inherited because of genetics. The implications of these are healthcare can be more personalized and customized based on human DNA and some other genome characteristics. This paves the way for the production of a more personal kind of medicine, including procedural healthcare requirements.
2. The Collaboration Amongst the Innovation Discoveries of Life Sciences Companies
The areas studying the life sciences are continuously developing and evolving. Its collaborative nature also means that its discoveries are dependent on past and present learnings. In 2021, biotech companies are expected to join forces and collaborate with other healthcare-related science organizations, so they can all together push the industry and aim for better results.
To illustrate, this can be seen in the collaboration efforts of four biotech companies in May 2019. The four lab giants called Arzeda, Twist Bioscience, Labcyte, and TeselaGen have set up a partnership to create their own state-of-the-art assembly platform for the DNA. Their primary objective for this endeavor was to craft food products such as sweeteners and other industry essentials. Their discoveries set forth to reduce the necessity to harvest or mine DNA supplies because they can now construct them from their laboratories.
3. The Developments and Improvements in Drug Research
In 2021, one of the continuing trends in biotech is the continued improvement and development of drug research. The advent of smart technology will continue to allow the possibility of improving and assessing diagnosis and treatment using medications. Think along the lines of telehealth, where technology is leveraged to bridge time and space so patients no longer have to leave the comforts of their own home to get a thorough check-up.
There will be a boost in the integration of assessment devices that will incorporate various methods like MRI scans, lab equipment, and in-patient monitoring in their management tools for better patient care. Because of this multi-method approach, doctors can combine the necessary data and provide a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment path for their patients. Because of these high-tech assessment mechanisms, they can now rely on more objective data.
4. A Boost in the Volume of Research in the Field
With advancements in biotech, many researchers can now focus on many different life sciences fields that can improve quality of life, such as precision surgery, immunotherapy, and genetics.
To illustrate, in the aspect of precision surgery, there has been a rise in the studies of robotics to improve surgical procedures and their corresponding surgical outcomes. Surgeons can now leverage AI or artificial intelligence tools to perform less invasive and more accurate surgical operations on their patients. On top of this, AI also offers better insight for doctors with regards to their chosen method of treatment.
5. An Increase in the Digital Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Patients
The transformation and evolution of the digital aspect of businesses have been around for centuries. All of these have set forth better access for consumers and more enhance marketing strategies for corporations. In 2021, there will definitely be an increase in the digitalization aspect of biotech through the possibility of online and remote assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients around the world.
To date, there are numerous physicians and healthcare practitioners that are accredited to continue their practice online. With companies like Virtual Health that provide wireless device assistants, virtual diagnostics are possible. Some general physicians can even prescribe medicines through their virtual clinics with their online database access via LiveHealth Online or Teladoc. Telepractice is now a developing and growing trend in the biotech world.
6. A More Value-Based Pricing of Biotech Products
There are more laws, regulations, and protocols that are passed to drive down the prices of these biotech products produced in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical laboratories. In fact, more and more companies are now showcasing real live demos of their drug efficacy. The reason for this is so the consumers can get a first-hand glimpse of the real value of these products. Doing this can actually dampen the cost of medicine; at the same time, it provides valuable evidence to the key consumers of the products.
7. More Data Management and Integration Through Cloud
Back in the beginning, data management in this area was difficult to collate, organize and interpret. But because of the new development of cloud management, it is much easier to store and handle the volume of information produced in laboratories. Now, data management professionals can organize this information, so biotech professionals can easily access, analyze, and interpret data.
8. An Improvement in the Approval Timeline of Various Drugs
In the past, critical medications were held for a long period because of the long approval process of the FDA or Food and Drug Administration. Thanks to technological advancements, government regulatory boards can now improve drug testing speed. They can do much better trials for their candidate patients, too.
A perfect illustration of this is the Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR) pilot project that rally aims to accelerate the approval of drugs that are connected to the treatment of cancer.
9. Incorporate More Genetic Treatment
With the improvements in biotech, there will be an increase in using genetic information in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses, chronic diseases, and disorders. On top of that, genetic technology will help researchers and scientists identify genome sequences that can be used to predict illnesses, chronic diseases, and There will also be an increase in integrating genetic information in the assessment of chronic illnesses and treatment of disorders in both humans and animals.
Today, there are many experiments in the area of gene studies that could be used to potentially prevent the onset of diseases and other conditions that are inherited from the parents. These types of studies will continue to grow as more conditions are studied and seen to be of genetic origin.
10. More Intense Focus on Immune Cell Function
Immunity is one of the growing areas of study under the biotech branch of science because it has the power to prevent the spread of harmful diseases. Failure to address this could bring devastating results and even epidemics. Thus, there is an increase in the interest and study of the immune cell function so it can be noted what types of viruses and bacteria can be treated effectively. All of this has a big effect on the field of immunotherapy.
The above mentioned are the anticipated developments in the field of biotech as more funding and interest is granted in the research areas of technology, science, and healthcare. These improvements remind everyone that biotech is a critical part of society because it can improve lives and the welfare of people, as well as forthcoming generations.
Biotech Industry Stats and Growth Projections in 2021
1. There has been $428 billion dollars spent on meds.
3. The environmental sciences sector needs public awareness and more innovations.
The issues regarding the environment are still a big problem, and biotech can have a hand in addressing this. Today, 14 billion pounds of trash is dumped into the oceans, and landfills are the main source of soil pollution. Scientific output regarding this sector must be increased to put a stop to this problem.
4. There are 1 in 6 global deaths caused by cancer.
It is sad, but cancer is a pervasive illness that has affected 16% of the population of the world. In order to take preventive measures, advancements in the area of biotech that studies this are necessary.
5. Ten percent of deaths around the globe are due to neurological disorders.
Breakthroughs in biotech like brain mapping can help improve outcomes.
6. There are many undiscovered areas in marine biology.
The deep-sea diving technology made it possible to discover marine life. However, there are still more areas of the vast ocean with its marine life that have remained untapped.
7. Genetech is credited for starting the modern biotechnology industry.
Genentech, now a subsidiary of Roche, started this industry in 1976. Their most notable discovery happened in 1978 when they genetically engineered human insulin.
8. Biotech can impact the economy and job growth.
The innovation within this field is forever evolving. Those governments that focus on this area notice an improvement in their economy and job growth. To illustrate, the state of Florida is able to support 83,000 heads under this industry.
9. The top pharma companies in the US are in New Jersey and Connecticut.
The top pharmaceutical companies within the top 10 ranks are Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, located in Groton, Connecticut, and in New Brunswick, New Jersey, respectively.
10. Investors should be careful of fraudulent biotech startups.
Theranos’ CEO Elizabeth Holmes is now battling fraud charges for failed partnerships between other companies. Thus, it is critical to know the history of biotech companies and the efficacy of their products.
William V. Williams, MD, FACP – President and Chief Executive Officer
Giuseppe Del Priore, MD, MPH – Chief Medical Officer
Miguel A. Lopez-Lago, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer
