Shares of 4D Pharma (LON: DDDD) have jumped on Monday after the company announced a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Merck KGaA and Pfizer for BAVENCIO.
BAVENCIO is the first and only immunotherapy approved as a first-line maintenance treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The drug is co-developed and co-commercialised by Merck and Pfizer.
4D pharma will begin a clinical trial in 2021 to evaluate BAVENCIO in combination with MRx0518 as a first-line maintenance therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has not progressed with first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy.
MRx0518 is a single strain live biotherapeutic products in development for cancer treatment, with 4D pharma stating it is delivered as an oral capsule and stimulates the body's immune system, directing it to produce cytokines and immune cells that are known to attack tumours.
“With this second clinical trial collaboration for MRx0518 with a leading immune checkpoint inhibitor, 4D is able to evaluate MRx0518 in a new combination and earlier treatment setting,” said Duncan Peyton, 4D Pharma's CEO.
4D Investors have reacted positively to the news with shares trading 7.48% higher at 142p at the time of writing. They initially jumped to highs of 147.5p after the open in London.