Ubertrader Setting the Record Straight!
Thanks for your post. Let’s break down a few of your claims — because some context and clarity are clearly overdue.
I Haven’t Been “Holding Forever”
Contrary to your assumption, I haven’t been sitting on this stock since the dawn of time. I first invested in OncoSil about two years ago and increased my position via the sophisticated investor offer mid-last year. So no, I haven't ridden every bump in its history — but I’ve done the legwork, and my views are grounded in where the business is today, not in outdated baggage.
The CEO Isn’t the Whole Picture
Yes, Nigel Lange has been CEO since January 2021 — but reducing “management” to one individual is a pretty surface-level take. A serious investor would know that strategic direction, governance, and capital decisions are heavily influenced by the board, especially the Chairman.
The Board Has Been Completely Rebuilt
Between late 2021 and late 2023, OncoSil went through a comprehensive board reset, which included multiple exits and high-calibre additions. That’s not a reshuffle — it’s a rebuild. Here’s the timeline for anyone who wants to follow the actual governance shift:
Dr Chris Roberts AO (Chair) – Resigned Oct 2021
Dr Roger Aston – Resigned Oct 2021
Michael Bassett – Resigned Oct 2021
Otto Buttula – Appointed Chair Oct 2021, resigned Aug 2023
Ricky Sharma – Joined Nov 2021, stepped down Feb 2023
Martin Cross – Resigned Oct 2022
Brian Leedman – Appointed Sep 2022, resigned Sep 2023
**riel Liberatore – Appointed Jul 2023
Douglas Cubbin – Appointed Aug 2023, now Chair
Lel Smits – Appointed Jan 2025
That’s a board overhaul. And it’s one that brought in decades of experience from leaders who’ve built and scaled serious biotech companies — notably Telix Pharmaceuticals. That matters.
Biotech Comes with Dilution — Get Used to It
Welcome to biotech investing. Dilution is part of the journey, especially when you’re commercialising deep-tech medtech like a radioactive implant. Would we all prefer non-dilutive capital? Of course. But OncoSil’s challenges — regulatory hurdles, clinical trials, reimbursement battles, pandemic disruptions — aren’t exactly unique in the space. If you expect a smooth ride in biotech, you’re in the wrong sector.
FDA HDE Application Timing
The bile duct cancer application went in July 2020. Sure, HDE reviews are meant to take 75 days — in theory. In reality, they drag, especially with follow-up data requests and (at the time) pandemic delays. This isn’t new for anyone who's followed FDA processes before.
Patent Protection Is Being Extended
Yes, the current OncoSil™ platform is licensed from pSiMedica, with a US patent expiring in 2022 (potentially extendable to 2027). But the next-gen OncoCal™ platform is already in development, and OncoSil has filed new patents extending protection out to ~2032. Also, the device’s complexity gives it practical defensibility beyond just IP dates — something experienced medtech investors understand.
Yes, More Capital May Be Needed — That’s Expected
Yes, more capital may be needed — through OSLOB options if they convert, or a raise if they don’t. This isn’t some grand revelation. The company is already cutting costs and stretching the runway. Smart management plans ahead, and they’re doing just that.
Commercial Momentum Is Building
The rollout is gaining steam. If OncoSil executes as planned, break-even is on track for late CY25. That’s straight from company guidance — and early signs are encouraging.
OncoSil Is Ahead of the Pack
There’s always risk in biotech. But OncoSil is already in the market — while many would-be competitors are still wading through trials. Oncology trial-to-approval rates are notoriously low. OncoSil is commercial, building traction, and hitting key milestones. That’s a meaningful edge.
Current Leadership Brings Real Firepower
Let’s look at who’s steering the ship now:
Douglas Cubbin (Chairman): Ex-Telix CFO, helped drive its IPO and major capital raises. Now guiding OncoSil’s financial strategy.
Dr **riel Liberatore: Ex-COO at Telix, 25+ years in biopharma ops, strategy, and commercialisation.
Lel Smits: Governance and comms veteran, has advised 500+ ASX companies. Her addition boosts IR capabilities and board diversity — two areas that matter if you care about attracting institutional money.
On Lel Smits — This Is a Strategic Appointment
You can roll your eyes at her appointment if you like — but that says more about your outdated lens than it does about her qualifications. This isn’t about tokenism. In 2025, board diversity is expected — not optional — and her governance track record is extensive. Institutions care. So should you.
On Peter Hall — He Saw the Potential Too
You might recall Peter Hall, the fund manager who backed Sirtex early on. He invested personally in OncoSil and even joined the board for a period — before stepping back due to family reasons. That wasn’t a fly-by-night trade. It was a vote of confidence.
And more importantly, Pengana Capital, managed by James McDonald (another Sirtex alum), still holds a substantial position. That tells me there’s conviction from serious money — not just retail punters like us.
Bottom Line
If you want to play biotech, you need to understand the space. Regulatory risk, capital intensity, long lead times — it’s part of the game. Dismissing OncoSil without grasping that context isn’t skepticism — it’s inexperience dressed up as cynicism.
Let’s raise the bar.
(20min delay)