(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors - UK) Nanobiotix SA (EPA:NANO) is a Paris-listed radiotherapy group pioneering a radical new approach to cancer treatment.
It is a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company researching novel approaches to enhance radiotherapy for the local treatment of cancer.
The company''s first-in-class, proprietary technology, NanoXray, enhances radiotherapy energy to provide a more efficient treatment for cancer patients.
In May, the group announced it had branched out into immuno-oncology, a new area of cancer research and is unearthing some of the most promising new treatments for the killer disease. It harnesses the body''s own immune system to attack tumours and mutated cells.
Immuno-oncology a "logical step"
Chief executive Laurent Levy said that branching out into immuno-oncology was a ''logical step" for the company and the development of its treatment.
Nanobiotix''s serum is an immunotherapy serum, using nanoparticles to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Used in conjunction with radiotherapy, the liquid is injected directly into the tumour to enhance the efficacy of the treatment.
The ''radio-enhancer'' is being used in late stage trials to treat in soft tissue sarcoma, a cancer of the muscle and fatty tissue.
Immunotherapies only work in a limited number of solid tumours - so-called hot tumours.
However, Nanobiotix''s NBTXR3 treatment is used to trigger immunogenic cell death, turning a cold tumour ''hot'', meaning it could be effective in all forms of cancer.
Studies are also on going for its use in liver, prostate and head and neck cancers.
Head and neck cancer study results "exciting"
Phase I/II clinical trial of NBTXR3 delivered some encouraging results in head and neck cancer patients.
It was found to be safe and well tolerated, which was the primary goal of the study, but it also helped to shrink the mass by 50% or more in the seven frail and elderly patients who received the treatment.
Nanobiotix is now developing a clinical development plan - potentially in the EU and the USA - which could lead to the registration of NBTXR3 for use in head and neck cancers. The group is now looking to prepare the next clinical trial.
Nanobiotix''s chief medical officer called the results ''exciting''.
''Our findings show that NBTXR3 has a very good safety profile and promising tumour reduction, which could make a valuable difference for these patients,'' added Borghi.
Analysts at Edison Investment Research valued Nanobiotix at 543mln (464mln) last month ahead of the results from the first trial.
It said the data could potentially be the proof-of-concept of this thesis and believed it would have a de-risking effect on other indications in the pipeline.
''This trial will not only open new and large head and neck cancer market, but would also de-risk other indications as well,'' said the broker.
US market now "incremental"
Edison expects revenues of 7mln for the end of 2016 with earnings per share of 1.85.
Nanobiotix is financially well positioned to execute on plans, holding 25mln of cash as of last June. The company should have enough cash to cover the development up to the end of this year.
Following Thursday''s study results, analysts at Stifel issued a target price of 28.3. It said entering the the US market for head and neck would be incremental.
''Our current model for NBTXR3 in head and neck estimates peak sales of 112mln in Europe only, hence the potential addition of the US opportunity would be positive although we await further details of the regulatory pathway for the product in the US,'' said the broker.
It said key risks to the achievement of the target price included delays to the key clinical trials and disappointing clinical data.
Read more -Nanobiotix delivers strong results from latest cancer trial
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