Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals PLC is poised to advance its HEMO-CAR-T program for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment, securing new funding and achieving key clinical trial approvals. The company has obtained a £600,000 investment from an institutional investor to support the Phase I clinical trials of its innovative therapy.
Clinical Trial Progress
To initiate clinical trials, Hemogenyx successfully met hospital requirements, including approval from a scientific review committee and an internal review board (IRB). Dr. Vladislav Sandler, CEO of Hemogenyx, emphasized the significance of IRB approval, stating it is "almost as significant as FDA approval" in ensuring patient safety. The company has completed a site initiation visit involving Hemogenyx, its CRO, and the hospital team.
Imminent Patient Recruitment
With the IRB approval secured and the site initiation visit completed, Hemogenyx is awaiting the official letter to commence clinical trials. Patient recruitment is expected to begin shortly thereafter. According to Dr. Sandler, the collaborating cancer center anticipates high patient demand for this novel treatment option.
Strategic Share Consolidation
In parallel with clinical advancements, Hemogenyx is undertaking a share consolidation to attract institutional investors and strengthen its capital structure. Peter Redmond, non-executive director, explained that this move aims to address concerns from UK institutions regarding the company's "penny stock status." The consolidation seeks to establish a more robust share price, facilitating access to quality funding for advancing clinical trials and other projects.
Addressing Unmet Needs in AML Treatment
Acute myeloid leukemia is a particularly aggressive cancer of the bone marrow and blood. While treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplants exist, many patients relapse or do not respond. CAR-T therapy offers a novel approach by engineering a patient's own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Hemogenyx's HEMO-CAR-T program represents a promising advancement in this field, potentially offering new hope for patients with relapsed or refractory AML.
