... since the invention of the syringe 150 years ago
Before getting started I just wanted to point out that the focus of this post is not intended to detract from the regenerative and medical device segments of the group, but rather substantiate a view which I believe indicates significant additional value which has yet to be factored into the value of the company's securities.
In addition to holding BioMD since 2010 I am reasonably well acquainted with the regenerative side of the business, both revenue potential and the use of CardioCel and ADAPT platform technologies for a number of additional applications. One really only needs to understand the significant resistance to calcification in CardioCel implants and major complications caused by inferior mesh offerings from our market competitors to acknowledge that Admedus already stands in a league of its own. Strip the company of all other assets including cash in bank, and by 2H/2014 along with anticipated 510(K) approval this company in my view would still be undervalued with a MCap below $200m based on pair comparison.
On the topic of neglected potential, here's where I had initially intended to begin this post...
With regards to Prof. Frazer's highly promising vaccine programs we are already aware of the significant benefits associated with the codon optimisation DNA technology for enhancing protein expression in the cell to improve humoral response, and the second component of the technology for optimizing T cell responses, which has ultimately resulted in new vaccines with both prophylactic and therapeutic potential - Prof. Frazer's reputation speaks for itself, however even when armed with this knowledge many AHZ investors still understand the significant cost burden and risks associated with new drug discovery, and undoubtedly will also appreciate the development of new cancer vaccines are certainly no exception to the rule.
If you agree with this then allow me to demonstrate how a single word accompanied by some persuasive facts may change your perception in addition to enhancing the performance of your risk mitigation strategy aligned to your investment in Admedus
The following is taken from an announcement released to the market in September 2013
"The therapeutic vaccine developed by Professor Ian Frazer and his research team targets herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), the strain of the virus most commonly associated with genital herpes and is designed to both prevent transmission of herpes as well as treat those who have already been exposed. Currently, there is no cure for herpes and the infection is life-long. Current therapy for HSV-2 involves antiviral drugs which can reduce, but not eliminate, outbreaks and viral shedding and so they reduce but cannot prevent the spread of the virus. The vaccine is administered intradermally. The outcomes of the Phase I trial will demonstrate the vaccine’s safety and how well tolerated it is, as well as showing whether the vaccine generates a robust immune response."
Complimentary to the word, intradermal it may also be appropriate at this time to add, Interdisciplinary and Collaboration for highlighting an essential change required of companies wishing to survive and thrive the increasingly competitive world led by tomorrows disruptive innovators. The old R&D models are dead and the theme more commonly being echoed today has become, 'Adapt or Die'
Eureka Prize for Nanopatch research team
It takes more than just one person to develop a scientific breakthrough – or claim the most prestigious award in Australian science. Just ask Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Professor Mark Kendall, who was last night awarded the Eureka Prize for Research by an Interdisciplinary Team. Professor Kendall and his AIBN team have worked with engineers, mathematicians, material scientists and immunologists from three other institutes on the needle-free vaccine delivery device, the Nanopatch. The research has involved input from laboratories of cervical cancer vaccine inventor Professor Ian Frazer, the Translational Research Institute at Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital; Professor Michael Roberts, Director of the Therapeutics Research Unit at The University of Queensland's School of Medicine; and the University of Melbourne's Professor Lorena Brown from the Department of Immunology and Microbiology.
Relative to the primary outcome measures of the HSV-2 Phase I clinical trial to demonstrate the vaccine’s safety and how well tolerated it is, as well as showing whether the vaccine generates a robust immune response, the following data slide is the latest addition to my research files and in conjunction with the TED Video Presentation featuring NanoPatch inventor, Mark Kendall below serves as the main motivation behind sharing this post with you today:
The Data Slide shows the immune responses generated with a Nanopatch applied to the forearm delivering an influenza vaccine between (or into) the top layers of skin compared to standard vaccine delivery to the muscle using a needle and syringe
The horizontal axis on the slide shows vaccine doses measured in nanograms, and the level of immune response generated is shown on the vertical axis.
The dash line indicates the protection threshold - Above this line is considered protective while below is not protective. As the data revealed a dose of 6,000 nanograms was required when administering vaccine via the needle and syringe to achieve protection, whilst vaccine delivered by the nanopatch indicates completely different immunogenicity values.
In addition to the many advantages of directly targeting the body's immune sweet spot located just below the tough outer layers of the skin by administering novel DNA vaccine candidates drycoated onto thousands of microscopic projections incorporated into the Nanopatch, we may soon be able to eliminate the major global cold chain issues in developing nations without adequate refrigeration necessary for keeping liquid vaccines cold, eliminate the 1.3 million deaths caused through needle stick injury to millions of healthcare workers and patient carers every year, significant reduction to existing pressures placed on an under resourced global healthcare system providing a more safe and effective solution via self administration without the need for any medical supervision, and reduce the total cost of manufacturing vaccines by up to 100 times current expenditures...
The existing needle and syringe invented in 1853 which I would submit is long past its expiry date but to this day still remains the standard of care for the delivery of vaccines into the muscle which we are also now beginning to learn has been missing the sweet immune spot in our body everytime.
Merck... a potential partner to AHZ?
Vaccines via skin patches a step closer
"Administering vaccines via skin patches rather than needles is a step closer after Australian innovators secured a deal with vaccine manufacturer Merck. The Nanopatch, developed by University of Queensland Professor Mark Kendall and his bioengineering and nanotechnology team, uses 100 times less vaccine than a syringe and is smaller than a postage stamp. The technology is being commercialised by an investor-backed company, Vaxxas, formed in August 2011, but the partnership with Merck has injected extra research funds and potentially opens up a suite of vaccines to eventually be used with the patch. Merck, the international distributor of the Gardasil HPV vaccine pioneered by Australia's Professor Ian Frazer, will initially fund Vaxxas to evaluate the Nanopatch for use with one of its vaccines.
Improving the Reach of Vaccines to the Developing World with Nanopatches
Vaccines have produced one of the largest increases in the age of life expectancy in human history. However massive challenges remain, with 17 million deaths per year due to infectious disease – mostly in the developing-world. This forum will introduce three distinguished speakers pioneering approaches to help address this important and pressing challenge. Professors Ian Frazer (co-inventor of the Human Papilloma Virus [HPV] vaccine), Mark Kendall (inventor of the Nanopatch) and Robert Booy (vaccine clinical trials researcher) will discuss key hurdles holding back improving the reach of vaccines for the developing world; and debate current and emerging approaches with the most promise to help overcome them. As a point of focus, the Nanopatch developing-world vaccine project will be discussed: taking Nanopatches to Papua New Guinea for the delivery of HPV vaccines.
“Research is a challenging field – and interdisciplinary research can be even more challenging. But when you get it right, the sparks fly and it is hugely rewarding. You can do something that has never been done before.” ~ Prof. Mark Kendall
AHZ Price at posting:
15.5¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held
(20min delay)