ONCS To Present at 2014 Stifel Healthcare Conference

"Just listened to the presentation. IMO, there's a lot to like here. Two major milestones by end of 2014 are the final results of their Phase 2 melanoma trial, and the initiation of the combination trial using their therapy in combination with an anti PD1. So, question is... whose anti PD1 construct are they going to use to conduct the combination therapy? Sure sounds like some sort of collaboration is going to be announced before the end of 2014 on this combo trial.

ADXS just inked some PD1 combination collaborations with Merck and Astrazeneca. Maybe ONCS does something similar. In ADXS' case they didn't get any up front cash... as both parties just agreed to test their cancer therapies in combination, with the understanding that licensing deals would be negotiated after results are out."


Jckrdu, I hope you don't mind me moving the conversation to the Stifel thread.

I just listened to the conference presentation as well.  My first thought is that I want to hold onto to this one for a few years without ever selling a share, but I know that is crazy talk, lol.

Here are the items that stood out to me:

- $35M in cash which is enough to last them through the next two years (stated by Dhillon)

- Burn rate will be around $1.5M a month ($4.5 a quarter which gels with the the 2 years worth of cash statement)

- Still on target to meet all 2014 milestones, which are:

  *Report Phase 1 melanoma long term data
  *Report Phase 2 melanoma final data (both of these will happen on Dec. 4th at Melanoma Bridge)
  *Initiate a new Phase 1/2 solid tumor trial
  *Report Phase 2 MCC data
  *Initiate Phase 2b combination trial
  *Initiate new Immuno-modulatory target ID trial

- The Phase 2b combination therapy trial will include an anti-PD-1 partner (of which there are really only 3 or 4 options)

- Market projections for PD-1 therapy are upwards of $24B

I agree with Jckrdu's view that there is a lot to like here.  In the short term there are several milestones that will happen by years end.  A few of which have the chance to be real pps movers.  The trial data, if positive (which I imagine it will be otherwise they would not have been invited to Melanoma Bridge expense free), could cause a bit of a boost.  Interim Phase 2 Melanoma reported earlier this year caused a jump to the mid $.80's, so we'll have to see.  In my opinion though, the two big ones are the new indication and of course the Phase 2b trial initiation.  

Lastly this conference re-iterated why I like ONCS and feel comfortable holding a core position for the long term.  ONCS is showing the ability through the local injection of IL-12 via Immunopulse, to not only de-cloak the tumors, but also to get a systemic (global) response.  That is huge and something that must intrigue those companies working with anti-PD-1 drugs who are hoping to get more than a 40% response rate.  Anyone who wants to use IL-12 will have to go through ONCS, because so far Immunopulse is the only method proven to deliver IL-12 safely (locally) without harming anyone due to its high level of toxicity.  Dhillon and the rest of management know this which is why they have been so aggressive and confident in the past year.  I know I am probably drinking the kool-aide on this one a bit, but I still haven't heard much to the contrary to change my mind.  If it works, which I think they are proving it does, then this is just the beginning in my opinion.