Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NASDAQ: PHIO) has seen an extraordinary surge in its stock price, jumping by $6.44 to $8.13, marking a +383.16% gain. This remarkable increase is attributed to the promising results from the company's ongoing Phase 1b clinical study of PH-762, a key drug candidate in its pipeline. The study revealed that two out of four patients in the second cohort achieved a complete response, indicating 100% tumor clearance, with one patient showing a partial response and another with stable disease. These results are particularly significant as they involve patients with challenging cancers like cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma, which have significant unmet treatment needs.
Phio Pharmaceuticals is at the forefront of immuno-oncology, leveraging its proprietary INTASYL® siRNA gene silencing technology. This innovative approach enhances the body's immune response to more effectively target and destroy cancer cells by silencing specific genes. The technology's ability to deliver gene-silencing compounds directly into immune cells without complex formulations or delivery systems sets it apart from traditional therapies.
The company's lead program, PH-762, targets PD-1, a protein exploited by tumors to evade the immune system. By silencing PD-1, PH-762 enables immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. The treatment is being tested in patients with aggressive skin cancers, including cutaneous SCC, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma, which currently lack sufficient non-surgical treatment options.
Phio's CEO, Robert Bitterman, expressed optimism about the company's direction, emphasizing the goal of achieving a cancer-free future with INTASYL technology. The early success in clinical trials, combined with the technology's potential and strong leadership, has significantly boosted investor confidence in Phio Pharmaceuticals. As the company continues its clinical trials and advances PH-762 through dose escalation, the focus remains on determining the optimal concentrations for maximum efficacy, with the hope of further transforming cancer treatment.
